Door Panel Installation Help

Ricks70Duster340 · May 8, 2021

Bought some replacement door panels for my 70 Duster. Thought the exchange would be really easy. That is what I get for thinking. The panels have cutouts, which I cut out for the clips. What is the secret to getting the clips lined up with the holes in the door? Once the clips are inserted into the panel, it is not easy to move them around. I can get a couple of clips lined up, but then the others are off. I am a pretty patient guy, but....

Ricks70Duster340 · May 8, 2021

I wonder if I use velcro around the edge instead of those dumb clips....

Lord Sparky · May 8, 2021

I had to glue my clips in since the Masonite was old and damaged which limited play but I still got them in. First, figure out which holes in the door you will use (there are extra). I used a flashlight to see the final insertion.

4spdragtop · May 8, 2021

That's exactly what I did. They (Legendary) give you a small knife blade to make slots for the clips. I like the velcro, just try to get as "thin" as possible.

Ricks70Duster340 said:
I wonder if I use velcro around the edge instead of those dumb clips....

Ricks70Duster340 · May 8, 2021

4spdragtop said:
That's exactly what I did. They (Legendary) give you a small knife blade to make slots for the clips. I like the velcro, just try to get as "thin" as possible.

I may do that. I cut out the slots for the clips, but having a time trying to get everything lined up. Since this is a new panel, all the clips need to be oriented in such a way to line up with the holes in the door. Holding the panel with one hand while pushing up to keep it inserted into the top "rail" while doing this is really taxing.

4spdragtop · May 8, 2021

What we did when we initially cut slots in our new panels was put a dab of grease or marker of some sort around the steel holes. Slid the panel into where it would be and then pressed around the perimeter. This left slight marks on the panel where I knew the clip would need to be. Eventually went to velcro. Did that for the carpet on part of the console too. Hope that makes sense.

Ricks70Duster340 said:
I may do that. I cut out the slots for the clips, but having a time trying to get everything lined up. Since this is a new panel, all the clips need to be oriented in such a way to line up with the holes in the door. Holding the panel with one hand while pushing up to keep it inserted into the top "rail" while doing this is really taxing.

rklein383 · May 8, 2021

Maybe glue on those button magnets to hold the door panel in place.

4spdragtop · May 8, 2021

Great idea! You could also use magnets for biz cards, available at Staples or stationary store. Thin and you can cut to size.

rklein383 said:
Maybe glue on those button magnets to hold the door panel in place.

Daves69 · May 8, 2021

Ricks70Duster340 said:
.........I am a pretty patient guy, but....

If it's impossible it just takes longer!

Are you trying to clip the whole hardboard? I have Legendary panels. They say to separate the two layers with their supplied angle knife. Mine were a pain to separate, but I could reposition the clips as needed. It helps to have the old one for reference.
Mounted like this on the panel I could hardly move them . That clip on the right is a YO part. It would be a real ***** to pull back out of the hole once in ........