Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: pablo_o2 on March 04, 2005, 13:18:43

Title: Door Panels
Post by: pablo_o2 on March 04, 2005, 13:18:43

Since I am restoring my upholstery I noticed my door panels suffered from humidity. I was wondering are the door panels straight or are they kind of preshaped and concave. Same goes for the panels either side under the dash. May be somebody has a picture of a door panel to straight this out, regards Paul

Paul Haems
'68 280SL

Title: Re: Door Panels
Post by: Douglas on March 04, 2005, 13:37:18

Paul,

I think they're slightly angled and not straight. The door itself is not straight on the inside, as I recall.

Also, make sure to tape a plastic shield back in to protect the backside of the door panel from moisture.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

Title: Re: Door Panels
Post by: Naj ✝︎ on March 04, 2005, 13:37:55

Paul,
Both door panels and foot well panels should be flat.
Did your door panels have a screw under the arm rest to secure it to the door frame? If this is missing, the panels become convex from pulling on the arm rest to shut the door.
Also, there should be a plastic sheet (water barrier) between the door panel and door frame.
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

Title: Re: Door Panels
Post by: jeffc280sl on March 04, 2005, 14:24:46

Naj and Douglas are both correct.  The door panel backing is simple particle board which you can buy at Home Depot.  The very bottom edge of the board is beveled so that the materail covered edge can fit snugly in the bottom edge door trim groove.  This groove and the door are slightly curved and the board covered material easily flexes to accomodate a nice fit.  You reuse the top metal piece of the door panel and rivit it to the new door board.  If your board is not in too bad of shape I would try to use it as a template for making a new one.  Might have to make it twice to get a proper fit.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

Title: Re: Door Panels
Post by: J. Huber on March 04, 2005, 14:41:32

Another option is to buy a new door panel that already has the upholstery on it. I think Bud's or Miller's does this.

James
63 230SL

Title: Re: Door Panels
Post by: gugel on March 04, 2005, 17:54:19

GAHH sells an door panel board with all holes already in, but without upholstery.  I got one in June 2003 for $50, but I think the price may have gone up a lot since then.  What you're paying for is mostly the accuracy of the fit.

Chris

Title: Re: Door Panels
Post by: jsaylor on March 05, 2005, 02:34:48

Paul,

Check w/ K&K for the door panels.  I believe they are about $20. each.  Save you labor for something less readily available.  They also sell the vinyl covers.  I'm awaiting mine

Aloha,

Jim Saylor
Kauai, Hawaii
'65 230SL