Interior plastic door panels

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Jul 2, 2019 | 03:39 PM

alecs

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Joined: Sep 2014

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Interior plastic door panels

Hi,
I got (from Dennis Carpenter) some replacements for the plastic trim panels that cover the area for the door handle, window crank, etc. I originally expected that these would just slide in from the front, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Do you have to remove all the chrome trim and install the panel at the same time as the chrome? The chrome appears to be glued to the door.

Any thoughts on the installation of these would be appreciated.

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/en/...r-panels-white

Jul 2, 2019 | 06:03 PM

ibuzzard

See A Man About A Horse

Joined: Apr 2003

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From: Mariposa, Ca.

You have to remove the trim, door handle and window crank. There are a bunch of clips around the perimeter of the trim, fairly easy to break. That is not to say that in the past someone did not add glue or silicone to make up for broken or misplaced clips, in fact it is likely some idiots would do that. I resorted to using those ABS plastic panels because I couldn’t locate t preferred NOS ones, which are of a softer vinyl material.

Jul 2, 2019 | 06:29 PM

gangstakr

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Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Hemet ca.

You should have 13 clips and a screw on each side. Remove screw, using a plastic putty knife or the plastic trim tool, (HF tools has them cheap) gently work the trim starting at top or bottom, work your way around a couple of times until they free up. The clips have a piece of Butyl Tape on each one. The Butyl tape keeps the clips from rattling and falling off. Must use for re-assembly for that same reason.
Careful not to break any clips, It's best to start locating clips before you do this job. That way you have them in case of breakage. The new panels from D.C. are thicker than the old ones, spreading the trim pieces to go over the panel is time consuming because you don't want to damage the trim.
I've seen nice trim get ruined by people in a hurry and they use a screw driver for spreading the trim. This creates little notches or lift areas all around the trim. Really looks like crap. So take your time and use the widest putty knife you can. It's doable and looks good when done right.

Jul 2, 2019 | 09:02 PM

James_Western_Canada

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,062

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From: Edmonton, Alberta

**As discussed in several previous threads, Melvin's Classic Ford Parts in Conyers, GA stepped up to the plate and commissioned a run of reproduction clips for these panels......

Source for Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, Galaxie, T-Bird, Model-A, 48-79 Ford Truck & Ford Parts

https://www.parts123.com/parts123/dy...=0001018cAAKXD

Jul 2, 2019 | 09:24 PM

gangstakr

Logistics Pro

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Hemet ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Western_Canada

Good point forgot about Melvins. Make sure you look for sets.
Melvins sells a door panel clip for $2.50 ea X 26 = $65.00 OR, OR,
Part# 378586SET $29.00 SET a set is 13 clips saves you a little when buying by the set.

Jul 5, 2019 | 03:43 PM

jpk_ks

Cross-Country

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 81

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Also - on the repop ones, you're going to have to drill a hole for the door handles to go through. So make sure you've located that properly. I was able to get away with only taking the top side of the trim off and leaving the bottom in place, but you may not be so lucky, especially with the handle stems. As others have said, pop the clips off carefully and only use clips to put them back together - do not use any sort of adhesive if you can avoid it at all. Good luck.