I think i have made a mistake, and hoping to get a way to fix it.

I removed the door panel from my 1991 firebird, and mistakenly, detached the black trim from the panel. The snap rivets are gone in the trim.
Is there a way to fix this? or should i get a new door panel.

 

I've been thinking of a good way to do this myself, and haven't come up with anything really. It's hard to attach cardboard to plastic. Mine's not totally gone, but I know I have 1 or 2 on each panel that are busting out (cardboard tearing). I'm very interested in anyone's thoughts/fixes.

 

Agree. I thought on using 2 sided adhesive like the ones use for emblem and such...I am not sure if it going to work.??

 

I've been wondering about this ever since I took both door panels off 5 years ago in anticipation of doing window motors and had one panel come off as an assembly, and the other panel came off but left the black trim piece on the door.

I guess I need to start looking for door panels unless someone comes up with a solution.

 

Even if the door panel seperastes from the top rail it will still stay inplace when re-installed.

 

Man I just put a new set on my panels last night,you can get them at 1A for a decent price,if you don't what to buy a set try 3M weather strip and gasket adhesive that stuff works on anything.Just put a dab where the pins come through the panel.good luck!

 

the 3m double sided tape (black foam tape with the red peel strip) is pretty heavy duty too, may be of use if the upper panel's beyond repair

manta - how do you like your new parts?

 

Love them,everything worked out really great.

 

If you all are talking about the fixing the broken plastic studs on the top black door trim I have the perfect solution. All of the studs on my trim pieces were almost gone. If so et me know and I will post a pic later tonight how I fixed it. As far as fixing the ripping cardboard I don't have an awnser other than make new panels like i am doing.


Also could you tell me how to post a pic !!!
Thanks

 

I am not sure how you can post the pics, but i think if you click above on the "reply section" i the mountain and sun icon, you should be good to go.


I'll love to see them.....

 

Anyone fiberglass the cardboard side like has been done to headliners?

Im thinking of doing it in spring since 1 of the corners has a tear right by a fastener.

 

You can buy a brand new set from 1A for 165,175 a pair.

 

exactly what i was looking for.
Mantaguy, how long for delivery

thanks

 

PM 1ADan and he could give you the info. I ordered a weather stripping kit from them and had it in 3 days.Free shipping to.

 

What I did was grind the broken studs off with a dremel cut-off wheel. then I left the surface rough. cleaned the area good. Used plastic epoxy that sets in like 5 min and tada. They are super strong now. Also i used 3/4 in long bolts. I mat have to trim them down after assembly. Also picked up some fender washers the big ones and nuts. As far as the cardboard panels go I think if you used fiberglass resin on them that would work I am making my own panels because my originals were nasty and had surface mold. Anyway hope this helps someone.

 

in the past i have used a hot glue gun . an often overlooked tool on interior work . has worked well for me . good luck .

 

Yea, I'm waiting for this too. My GM cloth / leather / vinyl covering is in perfect shape, but the cardboard is shot (water damaged and top holes torn). I wish someone made a fiberglass or non-paper replacement that I can glue my covering on to.

 

Those bolts look really good,now if GM could have come up with that idea we wouldn't be having this conversation You should patent that idea??

 

OK here was my low budget fix. I don't know if I should be proud, or ashamed. I'll let you decide.
The cardboard was all coming apart at the pins,and some of the pins were missing. I thought I'd try to repair the existing before I ordered new. I clamped the cardboard in place and filled the slots around the pins with liquid nails, and worked it in behind the retainers with a bondo spreader. No runs, no drips, and after it dried overnight, I ran a bead along the top of the cardboard as well. Mine turned out great.

 

As long as it works, I quess it will do for now until you can get a new pair.

 

I like this. Thanks for the pics

 

Just saw a pair on ebay 9.95

 

You could also make new door panels out of 1/8" fiberboard. Just trace out the panel and cut.

 

, What I did was drill holes in the top of the door skin and then I rivieted a strip of aluminum along the top. I then used a large drill bit to drill out the holes that allow the top rail to attach. They turned out great! I have pics to show what I am talking about if they will help.

 

if you pics that would help tremendously...

 

Sorry I havent got them up yet! I have been having engine troubles and need to tear the top end down tonight.

 

after reading this i was wondering about a possible fix for the cardboard and i am not sure but would a grommet gun do the trick? the tools used to put grommets on tarps and such not 100% sure but it worth a shot is anyone has a junk panel kickin around and wants to try it out

 

No problem Jake...I understand.
The grommet gun sounds like a good idea.

 

Pics! Here is what I did. I have the drivers door installed and it looks great!

 

It looks very nice....THANKS. I will try to do the same...