I mean the plastic part on top of door panel, I have got three different and they look all bent. Is it the normal shape, or just the normal wear?
As I am fabricating new door panels I have to know so I can drill the holes in the proper positions!

 

I'm sure it's an issue on all 3rd gens, especially in hot climates. My 83 started doing it when it was still under warranty. They wouldn't replace them because it was "normal." I was lucky enough to recently find a pair of NOS pieces along with the outer window felt/rubber.

I see them on eBay occasionally. You'll have to ask the seller if they are straight and take their word for it.

 

You can still get them new I think Hawks sells them I know Classic Industries dose.IIRC they are around $165 a set w/o felt.

 

Yeah, but they're reproductions. I was able to get my NOS ones for $150. Lucked out. Now, I'm afraid to install them cause they might warp too!

 

Anyone tryed to reverse the process with some heat from heatgun directed from inside?
The things as I am redoin the panels, I can accept the bent shape or no. If it will be likely to break...

 

I thought about doing that. I think the only way would be to support it entirely from end to end, almost like the original mold and then apply heat. Doing it any other way would produce a wavy shape at best.

 

I solved the issue with a screw to the rear of the plastic into the sheet metal of the door. It's so far back it's basically invisible because it's essentially in the back seat. It's countersunk so you don't catch things on it.

I made a thread about refurbishing these things.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...-door-top.html

 

I bought a set from a member on here, JimIroc (sp?). Haven't tried them yet, they're still in the box. My old ones aren't warped, but they are cracked.