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I need to replace the door panels on my 78. I looked in JC Whitney but not sure that is the wayt to go. I mounted speakers in the factory holes not too long ago and the panels in JC don't look like they have the vents where the speakers mount like the original ones do. If anyone has replaced theirs and had good results could you let me know... I want to put quality panles in...nothing that is going to break again in a year or two. Thanks in advance
I'd be interested in knowing too. Finding original OEM panels in good shape is like finding a needle in a haystack. Mine are just old and brittle and not up to taking the pounding of an everyday used truck. I was really thinking about getting those panels out of JC, but they seemed pretty pricey to me for something not original.
I have a LMC Truck catalog in front of me right now. They have nice looking door panels, but they also look like they don't have the slotted vents where the speakers are. They look like they are molded plastic and none of the holes are punched out.
You could also try www.autokrafters.com. They have a bunch of stuff for the older Ford's. Good luck and happy trails.
I'm looking for the original Candy Apple Red ones. I've been told that the 78-79 panels do not fit a 77 because the mounts for the clips are in different posistions, can anyone confirm this?
I see used panels on ebay all the time. Some better than others. I have whitney panels on my 79 and they are ok, not as nice as original and they are mounted with those plastic push pins. The armrests are hard and not real comfortable. I bought them before I found this site and ebay and wish I hadn't. They look better than broken ones though.
I pull door panels from the wrecking yard when I find a pair that would be considered "very good" or better condition. That's true that the LMC and other repros do not have the vent holes.
I'd also support the idea of checking the store herein before shopping elsewhere. This site has provided me a wealth of info. - I'd buy here before the overpriced catalogs stuff. I myself do not want anything from J.C. Whitney on my nice truck.
The question of Standard versus XLT/Lariat panels: Std are just the colored plastic. XLT/Lariat have color coordinated padded vinyl inserts and some also had the map pocket at the bottom. These have brought over $300 for a nice pair on Ebay. I only have a pair of Dark Green panels right now with the inserts. You have to remove them carefully or you can really "Goober" up the mounting slots. . .they crack if you start pulling on them carelessly to remove.
Whatever the case I say the money to upgrade or just replace broken panels is money well spent. Its the most visibly part of the truck's interior.
Is there any way to repair the broken clip mounts on otherwise good door panels? Also what is the best way to remove the panels to avoid breakage?
Thanks TomC