Fit of Al Knoch 68-69 Deluxe Door Panels?

[jeff68]

How is the fit & finish of the Al Knoch 68-69 deluxe door panels?  I bought some about 5 or so years ago and the fit wasn't very good - the trim didn't fit well and they did not seem to have enough of a 'bend' at the top.  I ended up sending them back. 

Instead, I found some original door panels in very good shape and had a local vinyl repair shop make a few minor repairs and re-dye them.  They look great - all the original stainless trim, inner window felts, and door lock ferrules fit perfectly as expected.  However, if you look really, really close (from like 6" away) you can tell they have been repaired (the grain is not an exact match).

Now, I'm wondering if it is worth it to replace these door panels with a new set of Knoch reproductions, or if I am better off with what I have now.  I'm thinking that a set of not quite perfect original door panels is still better than a set of repops.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Russw]

Jeff, I just went thru the same - They look fantastic, but nothing reproduction seems to fit nearly as well.  The do seem a bit 'sharper' at the top... With as much money being spent you would think they could get it right. My buddy is working on it, I will try and get his feedback as to the specific fit issues.  Russ

[jeff68]

Thanks Russ.  On the set I got a while back, they told me to use a heat gun to re-shape them so they would fit better.  I guess it didn't really matter since none of the 'recesses' allowed the trim fit well.
I'll look forward to the install feedback.
-Jeff

[rich69rs]

The suggestion to use the heat gun brings back the ol' saying:  "Beat to fit, paint to match".