89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

I'm in the process of restoring my interior door panels and I can't find any new black trim pieces that go between the panel and the window. I've searched all over the place. Mine aren't in horrible shape, but they are definitely bent, and I'm not sure what to do. I either want to get new replacements, or make new ones out of fiberglass. Part of the problem with making new ones is that I need a suitable template and mine are bent. I don't want to spend time and money making bad fitting parts. By the way, are they supposed to have a downward curve in the middle? Any and all ideas are welcome.

Aviator857

year one
paddock parts
GM I beleive still has them

They are like 150 a set.

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! :hail: I just ordered a set from Yearone. I didn't verify Paddock, but I checked with my GM dealer and the parts guys said they were discontinued. Once I get my new set, I'll be taking a look at ways to better support them. I've always thought it's kind of cheesy the way they're held in place. On to the next challenge...

Aviator857

The ones yearone have are connected differently so it may solve the problem for you. They have taps instead of the little nuts that hold them onto the panel. They have chrome bead and black bead ones which did you get.

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

I got the black beaded ones. Even though they attach differently, I'd like to give them more support underneath. I really like to prop my arm in the window opening and I think that's the reason the last set got destroyed. I'm just not sure how I should do that without hindering installation and removal, though. I was thinking of fabbing up some aluminum brackets, stuffing the void underneath with polyfil or both. Leave it to me to make things overcomplicated. I should just keep my darn arm off the window sill!

Aviator857

I drive all the time with my arm up there never broke one yet, I still have the orginal ones, just treat it with dash board stuff when I clean my interior.

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

Mine's not broken exactly. The problem with mine are that they are seriously bent.

deadbird

That just seem to be the nature of the beast. Mine are OEM new (dust was not included)...

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

I was wondering about that too, deadbird. Thanks for the pic. GM didn't really do a good job on the door panels I guess. It's no wonder when the trim piece is curved and the top of the door panel is straight that the mounting holes in the fiberboard break on the ends all the time. I hope aviator is right and the new design will prove to be more durable. We'll see. At least I won't have to worry about my aluminum door panels disintegrating like the originals. I thought about making the trim pieces from aluminum as well, but there are too many complex curves. If I ever get enough time I might attempt to make them from carbon fiber, but my honey do list is looooooooong.

deadbird

They didn't stop with the door panels.. that's for damm sure

Aviator857

aluminium door panels post pictures when you get them done :-)

MurcoRS

OK, I've been working on mine the past few days and was wondering if the bow in the upper trim piece was molded like that from GM or if it had done it over time. You've solved that riddle, mine is JUST like that!! LOL

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

Okay, this is an in process pic. I've gone more done, but haven't developed my film yet. I've also been making aluminum map pockets and those are turning out nicely.

Aviator857

Are you planing on covering them with meterial or polishing them up ?

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

They'll be covered and look pretty stock minus the carpet part. I'm redoing my interior in red. I wanted to go with something more stout than cardboard, hence the aluminum.

iansane

iTrader: (1)

You think that could be done with the "deluxe firebird" door panels?

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

Do you mean those three dimensional ones with the armrest molded into them? Can it be done? Yes, but it would be more difficult. You'd have to use several separate pieces and either weld them or rivet them together. It'd look sweet, that's for sure. What are those made of anyway? Are they cardboard or plastic? I thought about doing the ones you're talking about in carbon fiber, but that's much more time intensive than my flat aluminums ones, so I had to opt for the easier option. Besides, I'm a better metal smith than I am a composite guy.

jovial86

The deluxe ones, where the armrest is molded in, are made or wood.

MurcoRS

What armrests/door panels are those? I had no idea GM used wood in a door panel!

jovial86

They're out of GTA's. You make sub boxes out of wood, its not like its a crazy idea.

iansane

iTrader: (1)

Wood? What the? What door panels are you looking at? I've had a few sets of those and they're not wood...

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

So, out of curiousity, what are they made of?

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

The good news is that I got the trim pieces in and they are straight and I mean straight. That's a big improvement over the originals. The bad news is that the texture is waaaaay off and the the little lip on the bottom is missing altogether. I'm pretty sure, but not certain, that the plastic is a different type. It seems less sturdy than the originals. Anyway, the texture bugs me so much that I think I'm going to have to cover the trim pieces in carbon fiber or maybe tweed. At least it'll look like something custom. On another note, if I intended to use the orignal cardboard door panels, the fastening devices on the new trim panels are much better than the old nut and plastic stud method. It's basically a nail that you stick through the cardboard. It has ridges to hold it in place. Bottom line is that these are good pieces if you're not a stickler for originality and just want something that looks good. If you want something more original...well, I guess keep waiting for something better or try to find a good set of old ones.

deadbird

They are made out of a wood (particle board type wood) and bonding agent (whatever resisns, glues and preserves hold PB together) over a press mold most likely.
They were put in any firebird with the 'deluxe' interior option (even the base models)....

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

I like those quite a bit. Maybe in the future I'll try to duplicate those as well. Thanks for the info deadbird. Is there anything you don't know? You've got a great site, by the way.

deadbird

I don't know how to crochet
Thanks as well about the site.. eventually I'll finish it, too (like my car... lol)

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

I know what you mean, deadbird. What's up with all those obligations we have like bills, kids, job, etc? I seriously need to win the lottery, so that I can devote more time to what's really important!

Aviator857

Can you post a good close up of the texture of those replacement peices. WHat lip on the bottom are you talking about, is it something needed or just cosmetics.

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I'll put a picture up, but you'll have to wait a couple days for me to develop my film. I don't have a digital camera anymore. My ex took it.

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

As promised, here are the pics. I noticed that there are many differences now that I got to looking closely at the two together. Here's the original:

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

Here's the aftermarket piece. Notice how the grain is much larger and the line in the circled area is not on the aftermarket piece. I also noted that the aftermarket piece is much thinner than the original. It seems pretty sturdy though.

89FormulaRoth

iTrader: (1)

The good thing about the aftermarket ones (aside from the better method of attaching them to the door panels) is the plastic 90 degree angle part that the felt seal attaches to. On the original, it's not continuous. It's only in the areas where the trim piece attaches to the door. On the aftermarket piece, the 90 angle part runs the entire length of the piece. I think this is what causes the original piece to suffer so much distortion from people like me you prop their elbows up on it. The picture isn't exactly great, but you can see what I'm talking about.