Does anyone repair 67 deluxe door panels. Have the usual cracks at the door pull.
Dave
dmathews@prodigy.net
Quote from: GT350DAVE on March 29, 2019, 12:32:52 PM
Does anyone repair 67 deluxe door panels. Have the usual cracks at the door pull.
Dave
dmathews@prodigy.net
There are companies for the automotive industry that cater to car dealerships that do vinyl repairs .Just about every major city has some. The leg work involved is contacting various local dealerships and see who they recommend. The down side is that I haven't heard of or seen any where that the results are such that you can't tell a repair has been done. Better then the damage typically but not invisible. There are others that will take your original door panel and recover a piece over the entire panel . The recovered door panel now looks about like the current repro panel but on the plus side it will fit on your door better without all of the typical fighting to get the repro panel to fit. I haven't heard of another alternative. Hopefully for all someone else has come across a better alternative.
I need mine done too. What do you find is the issue with the new repro panel?
I used the reproduction panels. I had no issue with fitment except the cups for the door handle were snug. I think I kept the box. You will want to avoid TMI because of the pull handle cup issue. I am in Ithaca, NY for a couple days and then on my way back to Dallas. I think they were made by Dash Designs. If you have to dye them like I did you'll really need to be VERY thorough on removal of the mould release agents.
There is a local company who does vinyl repair but most panel damage happens around the armrest because it's a high stress area. I don't see them holding up long term.
-Keith
Bob and Keith,
I appreciate your input. I used repro panels on one of my cars about 8 years ago and the backing board was total junk. It didn't fit well was easily damaged in the clip areas. I was hoping for a better alternative.
In 1978 when I restored my first Shelby, there was a company who actually used the original backing boards and installed a new vinyl cover on them. Those panels still look good today. Unfortunately they went out of business.
Dave
Quote from: shelbydoug on March 29, 2019, 03:25:04 PM
I need mine done too. What do you find is the issue with the new repro panel?
The typical issues are finish of the vinyl, clip fitment in the panel ,and door cup area fitment. The down side issues are not insurmountable and have been worked around for decades but they are issues non the less.
Dave,
Gene Painter repairs your original door panels. If the backing board is still good and only the vinyl torn they come out really nice. He has been doing these style door panels for years. There was a period of time that people thought he was "out-of-business" but I have talked with him and had panels repaired in the last two year.
Tom Gilliam
(270) 755 -6417
Gene is still around? Good information!
-Keith
Tom,
Thank you . Your information as always right on. I will give you a call.
Thanks
Dave
I used this company and had an extremely good result;
http://www.justdashes.com/services/
Quote from: 2112 on March 30, 2019, 12:29:54 AM
I used this company and had an extremely good result;
http://www.justdashes.com/services/
That method along with what Gene Painter does is where they take your original door panel and recover it with a vinyl piece over the entire panel. It is like a cap. I have heard good things about both services however they don't look exactly like original. It is about small texture differences in the vinyl but differences all the same. It is not as good as good condition original but better then repro IMO for the reasons I previously mentioned.
I had a set of '70 deluxe interior Camaro panels done as a gift for my best buddy. They are unobtanium. They are considered the hardest Early Camaro panel to get right.
At least in this particular case, they were undectable as being restored, not original.
Quote from: 2112 on March 30, 2019, 12:29:54 AM
I used this company and had an extremely good result;
http://www.justdashes.com/services/
Just make sure you're sitting down when/if you get an estimate - not inexpensive. I'm still procrastinating on having mine done but for the time being I'm going to use repros (I can hear the gasps from the gallery now).
For others considering reproductions, I've been through 3 different manufacturers: TMI, Mustang Market and Dashes Direct. Each has disqualifying attributes but the least of the 3 evils is the Dashes Direct set in my opinion. Currently engaged in battle on the passenger side and hope to declare victory by weekend's end if all goes well, much to ask I know.
I've made a template of the clip holes (because I had to, not because I wanted to) so I can re-punch the repro water shields and hoping that'll help me align the clips on the panels before install as well.
Quote from: 2112 on March 30, 2019, 12:29:54 AM
I used this company and had an extremely good result;
http://www.justdashes.com/services/
Can you give me some idea of the cost? It seems to me that this vacuum forming process is what a new reproduction panel would need to use. The only questions are how close it comes to the original, how long it will last and of course the cost.
Many of the originals were already cracking when they were less then 10 years old anyway and had to have been made with a process like this to begin with?
The grain on my 67 would seem to very similar. My '68, not.
Quote from: 2112 on March 30, 2019, 12:29:54 AM
I used this company and had an extremely good result;
http://www.justdashes.com/services/
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So,
Kind of as it stands, is the general consensus that this link above is a good company, that has satisfying results?
Do they cap the original like Gene does mentioned herein?
I always try and keep track of where I will need to send parts to #45 when I can get to the car.
Respectfully submitted,
John
Quote from: Harris Speedster on March 30, 2019, 10:23:54 AM
Quote from: 2112 on March 30, 2019, 12:29:54 AM
I used this company and had an extremely good result;
http://www.justdashes.com/services/
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So,
Kind of as it stands, is the general consensus that this link above is a good company, that has satisfying results?
Do they cap the original like Gene does mentioned herein?
I always try and keep track of where I will need to send parts to #45 when I can get to the car.
Respectfully submitted,
John
Typically . As mentioned in reply #10.
Quote from: shelbydoug on March 30, 2019, 06:37:07 AM
Quote from: 2112 on March 30, 2019, 12:29:54 AM
I used this company and had an extremely good result;
http://www.justdashes.com/services/
Can you give me some idea of the cost? It seems to me that this vacuum forming process is what a new reproduction panel would need to use. The only questions are how close it comes to the original, how long it will last and of course the cost.
Many of the originals were already cracking when they were less then 10 years old anyway and had to have been made with a process like this to begin with?
The grain on my 67 would seem to very similar. My '68, not.
Typically different in texture and grain from original (also reply #10) .
The Deluxe Camaro panels had wood inserts, Stainless trim and a carpet bottom. They reconstructed the fiberboard that was rotten and laminated the remaining board for increased strength and water resistance. They straightened and correctly polished the Stainless, repairing the retention posts. They cleaned and polished the faux wood inserts. They also fabricated new door finger-cups.
The panels were in bad shape to begin with so they required about as much help as possible. I seem to recall prices ranged from $600-$1600 per set. These were on the high end of that. They appeared factory fresh when done.
These panels are not reproduced and insanely rare, so the price was worth it. It took a year to find a set of cores with enough there (and nice wood) to move forward.
They looked like this when done
http://www.justdashes.com/2013/07/1970-camaro-deluxe-door-panel-restoration/
Quote from: DGSOH on March 30, 2019, 05:13:16 AM
For others considering reproductions, I've been through 3 different manufacturers: TMI, Mustang Market and Dashes Direct. Each has disqualifying attributes but the least of the 3 evils is the Dashes Direct set in my opinion. Currently engaged in battle on the passenger side and hope to declare victory by weekend's end if all goes well, much to ask I know.
I've made a template of the clip holes (because I had to, not because I wanted to) so I can re-punch the repro water shields and hoping that'll help me align the clips on the panels before install as well.
I would love to know the pro and cons of the three. TMI seems to have the most robust inner core components, but I have never done a side by side comparison.
Thanks to all who participated in this thread. Some good options.
Dave
Quote from: 2112 on March 30, 2019, 12:54:49 PM
Quote from: DGSOH on March 30, 2019, 05:13:16 AM
For others considering reproductions, I've been through 3 different manufacturers: TMI, Mustang Market and Dashes Direct. Each has disqualifying attributes but the least of the 3 evils is the Dashes Direct set in my opinion. Currently engaged in battle on the passenger side and hope to declare victory by weekend's end if all goes well, much to ask I know.
I've made a template of the clip holes (because I had to, not because I wanted to) so I can re-punch the repro water shields and hoping that'll help me align the clips on the panels before install as well.
I would love to know the pro and cons of the three. TMI seems to have the most robust inner core components, but I have never done a side by side comparison.
So now I need to ask "who makes yours?" Are you kidding? I just went through this with the 68 tilt directional switch. It was like trying to dig up Shelby and asking him who made the part?
I can see this already. This is not going to go well?
If you are asking me, I don't know who made mine. They came on the car.
Quote from: 2112 on March 31, 2019, 11:32:04 AM
If you are asking me, I don't know who made mine. They came on the car.
No, not asking you. What I am saying is that if I go the route of buying a set of repros and it appears that there are several reproduction manufacturers, one is seen as the best, I need to ask the vendor what brand they are selling.
In my experience, many simply do not know the answer to that.
The prospect of paying $900 each to have mine "re-built, re-manufactured, re-covered"...whatever the appropriate term is, I might as well just consider the best reproductions at $250 a set and if and when the car is ever sold, the originals go with it.
The reality is that almost every car is going to eventually going to have a non-original reproduction part on the car. Some more then others. Why angst about this?
I agree, which is why I asked for more information on the pros and cons of each as it seems some people have experience with more than one of the reproduction panels.
I need to re-read this entire thread and re-consider what all are saying? Is there really more then one manufacturer or is that being confused with various VENDORS? Like exactly how many deluxe 67 Mustang door panels are needed?
Tooling is always 95% of a products cost. A dozen manufacturers are going to tool up to sell 500 sets? Doesn't make sense?
Well, somebody tooled up to make the current "too grainey" ones.....
Been $3%&ing about this for years and years. No change.
Quote from: roddster on March 31, 2019, 12:22:26 PM
Well, somebody tooled up to make the current "too grainey" ones.....
Been $3%&ing about this for years and years. No change.
"Too grainy" isn't in the tooling, it's in the fabric used. My originals are on the smoothish side. Smoother then the seat fabric.
Quote from: shelbydoug on March 31, 2019, 11:54:13 AM
I need to re-read this entire thread and re-consider what all are saying? Is there really more then one manufacturer or is that being confused with various VENDORS? Like exactly how many deluxe 67 Mustang door panels are needed?
Tooling is always 95% of a products cost. A dozen manufacturers are going to tool up to sell 500 sets? Doesn't make sense?
From my experience with TMI, Mustang Exchange and Dashes Direct each appears to be manufactured with differing materials and techniques yielding quite different results both in quality and faithfulness to the originals (which none of them are in my opinion). So I'd say there are at least 3 manufactures distributed by some larger number of vendors.
I'm using the Dashes Direct interpretation. Be prepared if you go the repro route, it's not the "splap'em on in there" kind of experience one would hope for.
I've attached an image of today's skirmish - mostly done I think aside from removing the protective film from the aluminum panel, access plug and door pull cup. It'll have to do until I can talk myself into getting the originals redone.
Quote from: DGSOH on March 31, 2019, 04:20:15 PM
Quote from: shelbydoug on March 31, 2019, 11:54:13 AM
I need to re-read this entire thread and re-consider what all are saying? Is there really more then one manufacturer or is that being confused with various VENDORS? Like exactly how many deluxe 67 Mustang door panels are needed?
Tooling is always 95% of a products cost. A dozen manufacturers are going to tool up to sell 500 sets? Doesn't make sense?
From my experience with TMI, Mustang Exchange and Dashes Direct each appears to be manufactured with differing materials and techniques yielding quite different results both in quality and faithfulness to the originals (which none of them are in my opinion). So I'd say there are at least 3 manufactures distributed by some larger number of vendors.
I'm using the Dashes Direct interpretation. Be prepared if you go the repro route, it's not the "splap'em on in there" kind of experience one would hope for.
I've attached an image of today's skirmish - mostly done I think aside from removing the protective film from the aluminum panel, access plug and door pull cup. It'll have to do until I can talk myself into getting the originals redone.
FYI Ford started to put a screw in the panel at the door opening end as needed . It seemed to coincide with shortly after 67 production started. You might see the screw hole in the metal. This was to hold the panel in better. This is especially helpful with the typical ill fitting repros.
Quote from: DGSOH on March 31, 2019, 04:20:15 PM
Quote from: shelbydoug on March 31, 2019, 11:54:13 AM
I need to re-read this entire thread and re-consider what all are saying? Is there really more then one manufacturer or is that being confused with various VENDORS? Like exactly how many deluxe 67 Mustang door panels are needed?
Tooling is always 95% of a products cost. A dozen manufacturers are going to tool up to sell 500 sets? Doesn't make sense?
From my experience with TMI, Mustang Exchange and Dashes Direct each appears to be manufactured with differing materials and techniques yielding quite different results both in quality and faithfulness to the originals (which none of them are in my opinion). So I'd say there are at least 3 manufactures distributed by some larger number of vendors.
I'm using the Dashes Direct interpretation. Be prepared if you go the repro route, it's not the "splap'em on in there" kind of experience one would hope for.
I've attached an image of today's skirmish - mostly done I think aside from removing the protective film from the aluminum panel, access plug and door pull cup. It'll have to do until I can talk myself into getting the originals redone.
It looks very nice to me from here. My original panels do have the screws in them at the point of the panel. If that's all it needs, just do it. If it was done by the factory, then it is Concours acceptable.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on March 31, 2019, 05:07:56 PM
FYI Ford started to put a screw in the panel at the door opening end as needed . It seemed to coincide with shortly after 67 production started. You might see the screw hole in the metal. This was to hold the panel in better. This is especially helpful with the typical ill fitting repros.
Thanks Bob.
I had this conversation with some others and the consensus was because mine is an early car, 0066, that no screw would be appropriate. Is this not the case?
For the record the panels that came on the car when I acquired it have the screws but who knows if they came that way from the factory... though they are date code appropriate.
The screw is why I want to redo mine. :P
Quote from: 2112 on March 31, 2019, 06:28:29 PM
The screw is why I want to redo mine. :P
Do you mean tha you do want the screw or you don't?
Quote from: shelbydoug on March 31, 2019, 06:37:00 PM
Quote from: 2112 on March 31, 2019, 06:28:29 PM
The screw is why I want to redo mine. :P
Do you mean tha you do want the screw or you don't?
Don't. Otherwise I would just put one in. ;D
Quote from: DGSOH on March 31, 2019, 05:39:22 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on March 31, 2019, 05:07:56 PM
FYI Ford started to put a screw in the panel at the door opening end as needed . It seemed to coincide with shortly after 67 production started. You might see the screw hole in the metal. This was to hold the panel in better. This is especially helpful with the typical ill fitting repros.
Thanks Bob.
I had this conversation with some others and the consensus was because mine is an early car, 0066, that no screw would be appropriate. Is this not the case?
For the record the panels that came on the car when I acquired it have the screws but who knows if they came that way from the factory... though they are date code appropriate.
I think it would be correct ether way . That is just the way my perception has evolved over the years. Others may think differently. I have seen them on earlier produced cars then #066 that gave every indication were undisturbed interiors. There is no real way to tell if a screw was installed after the fact unless it is too large a hole wrong type screw etc. Even then it is problematic to determine. I would not replace door panels because they have them nor would I automatically put some in if they don't . I would do as the factory did and only use them as needed. If replacing your panels and you can get them to fit proper then leave them off no harm no foul . It is not like anyone is going to go prying up panels to see if there is a empty screw hole. The few that might feel compelled to try on someone else's car out of some misguided self righteousness will not live long . ;) ;D
Quote from: Bob Gaines on March 31, 2019, 06:55:27 PM
I think it would be correct ether way . That is just the way my perception has evolved over the years. Others may think differently. I have seen them on earlier produced cars then #066 that gave every indication were undisturbed interiors. There is no real way to tell if a screw was installed after the fact unless it is too large a hole wrong type screw etc. Even then it is problematic to determine. I would not replace door panels because they have them nor would I automatically put some in if they don't . I would do as the factory did and only use them as needed. If replacing your panels and you can get them to fit proper then leave them off no harm no foul . It is not like anyone is going to go prying up panels to see if there is a empty screw hole. The few that might feel compelled to try on someone else's car out of some misguided self righteousness will not live long . ;) ;D
Exactly what I intended to do.
There is a Service Bulletin for adding the screws as a method of keeping the door panels in place.
Dave
[/quote] It is not like anyone is going to go prying up panels to see if there is a empty screw hole. The few that might feel compelled to try on someone else's car out of some misguided self righteousness will not live long . ;) ;D
[/quote]
;D 8)
Quote from: GT350DAVE on March 31, 2019, 07:03:57 PM
There is a Service Bulletin for adding the screws as a method of keeping the door panels in place.
Dave
See attached... Ford titled this a "Retaining Screw Location - '67 Mustang Deluxe Door Trim Panel Rattle"
(note this was a Ford issue notice, not Shelby)
Do we know on what date the service bulletin started to be distributed?
Quote from: tgilliam on March 29, 2019, 08:25:36 PM
Dave,
Gene Painter repairs your original door panels. If the backing board is still good and only the vinyl torn they come out really nice. He has been doing these style door panels for years. There was a period of time that people thought he was "out-of-business" but I have talked with him and had panels repaired in the last two year.
Tom Gilliam
(270) 755 -6417
Thanks. I dealt with Gene on a few occasions on 69 deluxe door panels decades ago and I loved his work. I'm glad to see he is still in business. Gary
I have a Nov 66 shelby. It has the screws at the rear. It was a TSB that would have been applicable to any vehicle returning for door panel loosening, so the date of the TSB Isn't relevant. I can also tell you that if you do this, FOLLOW THE DIMENSIONS exactly, otherwise you'll miss the metal structure of the door.
As for the door panels, there are several different manufacturers. At least three that are all different. TMI, Dash Designs and Mustang Market are all different. I have seen them all before settling on the dash design door panels. The area the cups fit in were the biggest issue. TMI cut the vinyl incorrectly at the cup openings, Mustang Market panels are actually a bit short and the door handle cup would not fit.
It gets expensive returning them as well.
-Keith
Quote from: tgilliam on March 29, 2019, 08:25:36 PM
Dave,
Gene Painter repairs your original door panels. If the backing board is still good and only the vinyl torn they come out really nice. He has been doing these style door panels for years. There was a period of time that people thought he was "out-of-business" but I have talked with him and had panels repaired in the last two year.
Gene is at (270) 755 -6417
Tom Gilliam
I word-smithed the quote from Tom so I don't call that number and ask for Tom.
I wonder if Gene can also make the boards flat again? Besides needing a recover, mine are a bit curved I wonder if that rules me out. Might have to call him!
Plain and simple, where to go for the BEST reproduction door panel OR complete door panel for a 1967 Shelby?? Lets try not to get off track, I simply want to order a pair of panels and put them on my car where I will be happy.
Quote from: 67 GT350 on September 10, 2023, 07:45:52 PM
Plain and simple, where to go for the BEST reproduction door panel OR complete door panel for a 1967 Shelby?? Lets try not to get off track, I simply want to order a pair of panels and put them on my car where I will be happy.
I don't have a helpful direction to point you to. All the repro panels I have used or heard about have their short comings. I am aware of others who have similar experiences. I and I am sure others consequently have a hard time recommending from the available offerings. None of the repro panels have the correct vinyl texture ether. Expect to pre fit and modify the clips on any repros you buy. With that said I would buy from a reputable vendor like NPD or Virginia classic Mustang in case the pairs you get need more help them you are willing to put into them. Maybe you will get lucky. Hoping for the best case scenario .
+1
Quote from: DGSOH on March 30, 2019, 05:13:16 AM
(Snip)
I've made a template of the clip holes (because I had to, not because I wanted to) so I can re-punch the repro water shields and hoping that'll help me align the clips on the panels before install as well.
I noticed mine had this issue with clip location. Like you, I will have to make a template and correct the holes.
One would think this is the easiest part of making a repop... get the hole location right.
Instead of futzing with this I started work on the 65. I can't put it off forever, though.
JD answered this pretty well. But, just so the class knows this, the screw is pretty well shown in the Osbourne BODY assembly manual too.