I have a 1984 Firebird. I have just redone the door panels (cleaned, etc.) and they look great! They didn't have that plastic sheet that is supposed to be a water shield on either door panel. Are they necessary? If so, can I just use a plastic shower curtain (some are mold and mildew resistant)?

Thanks!

Chris

Yes there's supposed to be one. And it's necessary, it avoids water and moisture to get on the door panel cardboard backing, which would cause warping.
I used a thick plastic and cut it at the right size. I glued it with silicone, the one that doesn't dry.

Silicone sounds like a good idea. What was used originally to secure the plastic to the door panel?

Chris

I don't know, I think it was just glue.

The best way to seal the plastic to the door is to get some black 3m strip caulk like this, you can get it on the roll too.It doesn't dry and will still allow you to pull the plastic off if you need to get to the inside of the door.



The name that the body shops called it was dum-dum , you should be able to get it at a body shop supply store, o'reillies, or even napa.

Cool! The stores you've listed aren't in NY where I live, but I'll try PepBoys.
Thanks!

Chris

Purchased mine at CarQuest.

JamesC

Nope, none around here either...

Chris

While your at it, the later year third gens came with a rubber strip that goes between the bottom door panel and the door. It also help keep water out, I found a bunch of sets at the junk yard.

Yes, my door panels have them. I just need the plastic water barrier. I'm thinking of using those shower curtains that are mold and mildew resistant.

Chris

I don't see why a shower curtain would hurt, good idea.

how do the door panels come off? I tried and now the whole thing is loose and i can move my window back and forth a good half inch. also how do i replace the tracking piece the window rolls up into, its like a triangle right by the side mirrors. mine are crap

I too am looking for tracking piece the window rolls up into, its like a triangle right beside mirror, trying to figure out what it is called! Replace door and transfered everting over to new door except tracking piece the window rolls up into, its like a triangle right by mirror. It mounts different

a little more pricey, but you could also Dynamat (or your favorite sound deadener) the door. That would quiet the interior, and work as a moisture barrier.

Yeah, well i do know that there are accually 2 parts too it. theres a rubber weatherstrip seal that slides down into the triangle part mounted to the door, haha, its a pain in the a$$ becuase i cant seem to ever describe it right when i ask people what its called or if they have it, but yeah, my problem i found out is that little rubber piece, thats what causes my window to be off..

i have used plastic sheeting from lowes/home depot with good results . used a hot glue gun to install . the shower curtain part sounds o.k. to me . might really freak out someone in the future who removes door panels . imagine seeing little fishies or flowers when you take panels off . just a thought on what seems like a good idea . good luck .

Don't laugh, but waterproof duct tape is a really convenient way to attach the plastic to the door metal. It's easy to take off and re-install and it seals really well. I swear that it's the only duct tape on my car (and you can't even see it!).

There are lots of the traingle seal parts available on EBay, just keep looking you will find some in very good condition.

Somewhere on this site there is a link to YouTube video about how to replace your door weather strips that shows clearly how to remove your door panels - basically, remove your door handle and all switches, use a trim removal tool or a screwdriver inserted between upholstered panel and door and slide it until you bumo into the retainer clips, pry each loose - once this is done all that is left holding the panel on is the top plastic trim piece, grab each end and wiggle back and forth while pulling up slightly and it should come right off.