1969 Camaro deluxe door panels - Quality?

[sdkar]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at possibly upgrading my 69 Camaro to deluxe door panels.  However, I hear that all of them fit horribly.  Even the Al Noch ones I found did not get good reviews.  Does anyone make a decent reproduction deluxe door panel for 69?  If not, I have a brand new pair of PUI complete assembled standard door panels new in the packaging that I will install instead.  If necessary, are there modifications that need to be done to the door to get them to fit?  Does one brand over another work better? What other issues are there I should look out for?

Thanks,

Steve

[69Z28-RS]

Since you are doing custom paint, why not consider a complementary custom upholstery design on your car?   A good upholsterer can do wonders with only a vague idea of what you want.   In our area we have one of the best (Paul Atkins, who has done some of the most amazing interiors ever, including those of several Ridler award cars).

[sdkar]

I would rather have a stock looking interior, and do minor changes here and there.  If the door panels fit decently or can be made to look okay, then I will go with them.  However, all I have heard is that none of the deluxe door panels seem to be worth a darn.  I am amazed that 45 years ago, we had the technology to make good fitting parts.  But today, with computers and precision cutting methods, etc., not a single reproduction part is even close to the quality expected.  How sad.

[69Z28-RS]

People (companies) attempting to 'reproduce' original manufacterer's parts do not have the resources (or probably anything else) that GM, Chrysler, Ford put into the development of their parts, processes, machines etc...  there's NO comparison!   It's actually pretty good that we have *any kind* of reproduction parts to use when we don't have the originals.. (but I still prefer original parts - even if they aren't as nice as they were 44 yrs ago).   

[jims69]

The reproduction parts do not impress me;  it doesn't matter what it is, it is not as good as original.   My worst experience was:  I once had the idea it would be pretty cool to have "reproduction of original" belts on my 69.   Installed the water pump/alternator belt in my garage; warmed up the car, a short drive around town, and then checked the tension on the belt.    My wife came home and we went for a  drive out to the highway (and back)  the belt broke after 5 miles of highway driving.  It turns out the "reproduction" belt was made in china.   Now the 69 rolls along with a quality  made in the USA  belt, and no worries.    Jim

[ko-lek-tor]

Those belts (Jims69) kinda reminds me about the repro bumper jacks. They are not to be used, but are "for display puposes only". I wonder how long it will be before a facsimile Camaro is offered. It will come in a big box along with an xacto knife and a 5 gallon pail of Testors model cement (glue).

[jims69]

How right you are Ko-le-tor.   It wouldn't shock me  to see someone  trying to sell a  full size Camaro  model :-)

Jim