There is nothing more aggravating in a hot rod’s interior than a torn-up door panel. You see it every time you enter the car—a not-so-subtle reminder that the cockpit could use a little tune-up. But living with such surroundings isn’t necessary, since reproduction or N.O.S. (new old stock) original door panels are available for almost every car. And if you’re qualified to spray glue, you can easily install a door panel. In fact, most musclecar door panels don’t even require spray adhesive to install. It’s as simple as cutting the window-crank and door-handle holes and screwing them on, and it takes little more than an afternoon’s work.
We used a pair of Classic Industries’ Camaro door panels on an ailing ’76 subject. While replacing the vinyl, don’t overlook details such as door-handle escutcheons, lock knobs and window felt, which probably need replacing as well. On second-generation Camaros, there is no way to remove the panel from the door while leaving the retaining clips reusable. After removing the screws where the plastic bottom half meets the vinyl top half, gently pry the bottom of the panel with a scraper or other wide, flat tool to avoid damaging the plastic, then lift the entire panel assembly off the door channel at the top.
