69 Camaro Door Panels

[JKnight]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to identify a supplier/manufacturer of a good quality replacement deluxe door panel for my original deluxe interior car.

I already have one repro set that are total crap and will never work right due to being too thick, so I need to know which brand/source has something that is proven to actually fit. I am familiar with the challenging process of getting them lined up right, so I expect that a good set will still require a good bit of work.

[Musclerodz]

There is only 2 that I know of. OER and al noch. I have used several Al Noch sets and did not have any major issues. Where are your too thick?

[JKnight]

Thanks Mike.

The set I have are a black ABS plastic back, with black high density foam under the vinyl. When you hole-saw through the panel to create the path for the window crank, it becomes obvious how crazy thick these panels are compared to my originals (probably 1.5" of foam). As a result, the window crank handle can't reach through the panel to the stud. And yes, these are deluxe regulators. I've only swapped the drivers so far and am leaving the original passenger panel in place (it's in decent shape) until I can find a panel that fits well on the drivers side.

[fishface]

If the backs on the original panels is in good shape maybe you could have them refinished. At on time Al Knoch did this and maybe Just Dashes. Something to consider.

[Musclerodz]

you answered my next question on the regulators. However the handles fits fairly tight and can be a pain to get on, but I have always been able to get them on.

[Vega$69]

I used AK. Real PIA to install as they were curved and the clip holes don't line up. Holes I understand as the door may vary somewhat.

Took a full day on each panel with a heat gun and hole reworking.

They do look great installed and I had no issues with the handles

[JKnight]

That's interesting. Mine are "curved" as well. I assumed that was a shoddy trait unique to mine as well. They do seem to flatten out once installed though.

I've been able to work around the other issues but the splines of the window crank are probably 3/4 of an inch away from the stud. Had I not already cut the hole for the crank I guess I'd be going power windows! lol...

[dhutton]

That's interesting. Mine are "curved" as well. I assumed that was a shoddy trait unique to mine as well. They do seem to flatten out once installed though.

I've been able to work around the other issues but the splines of the window crank are probably 3/4 of an inch away from the stud. Had I not already cut the hole for the crank I guess I'd be going power windows! lol...

I have seen window crank extensions somewhere. Might be worth a google search.

Don

[JKnight]

Ok, so there's really only two manufacturers. That helps. I'll take some pictures this weekend when I take it off to mess with the alignment some more. Will also measure the thickness so maybe someone can compare it to theirs.

[Musclerodz]

That's interesting. Mine are "curved" as well. I assumed that was a shoddy trait unique to mine as well. They do seem to flatten out once installed though.

I've been able to work around the other issues but the splines of the window crank are probably 3/4 of an inch away from the stud. Had I not already cut the hole for the crank I guess I'd be going power windows! lol...

Are you SURE you have deluxe regulators?

[JKnight]

Haha, yeah, I'm pretty sure (99%). I pulled the original deluxe panel off and still have it. Plus the passenger side is still together and fits great.

I understand the skepticism though...it does seem like a dumb problem to have. Maybe I can pull a part number off the regulator to get that 1% more assurance.

[JKnight]

Confirmed they are deluxe regulators based on the stud length and markings, so I've got that going for me...

[Musclerodz]

reason I was asking is that is roughly the difference in length between the two regulators.

[JKnight]

No worries mike, it's the right question for sure. It seems like that HAS to be the issue.

[awr68]

I may have missed it. What brand are you using? I have OER Deluxe and have yet to try them out.

[JKnight]

I don't actually know what brand they are. They were bought off eBay 10ish years ago. They're curved, thick, and have a black ABS structure.