69 Deluxe Interior Door Panels

[JKnight]

Ok guys let’s get real here for a minute. What have you guys done to restore/replace your deluxe door panels on a 69 Camaro. I know I’m not the only one trying to replace a sun-faded or cracked door panel. I’ve bought two sets of panels and neither of them allow the door to shut properly after a careful install. Plus, they’re so thick that verified/OEM deluxe window regulators don’t have crank studs long enough to install the cranks.

Is this a non-issue for everyone else as it would seem? Am I just this “lucky”?

[tubbed69]

I had a set of the Al Knoch panels a couple years ago and they were very nice.

[dhutton]

I used OER panels on my wife’s vert and they fit fine. Had power windows so no issue there. I have seen guys use crank extenders.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-WINDOW-CRANK-EXTENSION-fits-Chevy-Camaro-Corvette-GM-Buick-Pontiac-Olds/131786729465?hash=item1eaf19e7f9%3Ag%3AkZkAAOSw9j9 anT3D&_sacat=6000&_nkw=window+crank+extension&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

Don

[GregWeld]

Might be a dumb question -----


Did the car come with Deluxe interior?? Because there's more than just the upholstery that's different there.....

[130fe]

That’s a good point Greg. On 68/69 Camaros, the deluxe regulator crank stub were longer on deluxe cars, short ones for standard interiors. Here are a couple of pictures of the differences.

[GregWeld]

Funny ---- I chuckle to myself about such things.....


I know a LOT of people don't think I know much because I don't spout off camber numbers or discuss the first gear ratio of "X" transmission.....

But I've been around the horn a few times....

[Vegas69]

His original post states he has deluxe window regulators in the car which should make the crank splines long enough.

There is a ton of aftermarket junk out there for these cars. Most of it..:thankyou:

[KSBRKTRACER]

Ok guys let’s get real here for a minute. What have you guys done to restore/replace your deluxe door panels on a 69 Camaro. I know I’m not the only one trying to replace a sun-faded or cracked door panel. I’ve bought two sets of panels and neither of them allow the door to shut properly after a careful install. Plus, they’re so thick that verified/OEM deluxe window regulators don’t have crank studs long enough to install the cranks.

Is this a non-issue for everyone else as it would seem? Am I just this “lucky”?

Patiently waiting to see if you come up with an answer. I would really like to come up with a nice pair of OEM Orange deluxe panels .

[JKnight]

My car has the original deluxe interior, but drivers panel had a 1” “star” crack where your elbow rests. That led me to start this replacement adventure. Now I’m wishing I’d just put electrical tape over the crack, lol.

Bought one set of panels on eBay years ago, they looked nice but were pretty warped and 250% thicker than the originals. That caused the window cranks not to reach and interference with door closure at the front and rear jams. Tried a new set of OER panels, but found them to have similar thickness issues, but less warpage. I guess I’ll have to try the Al Knoch panels next. Just amazed the big restoration houses can’t faithfully replicate the original design. I have a stock panel I’d donate to the cause!

[JKnight]

Just looked at my thread history and saw that I have posted on this three separate times, oops... sorry guys!! Hard to believe I’ve been fighting with this silly problem for that long. Part of me was hoping that someone had come up with a solution over the last 10 years.

[rickpaw]

My car has the original deluxe interior, but drivers panel had a 1” “star” crack where your elbow rests. That led me to start this replacement adventure. Now I’m wishing I’d just put electrical tape over the crack, lol.



I have a similar crack on my original door panel as well (only thing that's wrong with it). Have thought about getting a reproduction panels, but after reading your posts, I may just get a vinyl repair kit and fix it myself. I have tried vinyl repair kit on a seat with good success.