Door panel install question

[Buzz Skyline]

As I recall, someone (perhaps more than one) installed their door panels without the top section overlapping the door skin. I can't remember who that was. If you know, can you post a name or a link?

I'm thinking of doing that too, but I want to see how it looks.

Thanks,

Buzz

[Frank818]

I think it was the one with the Metallic Orange 818 with soft top. He sold the car since.

Wallace18?

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9031-Wallace18-quot-s-818-Build/page13

[Buzz Skyline]

Thanks, Frank. You're right, I was thinking of Wallace18's orange car. I'm pretty sure that's the way I'm going to do it too. Here's my first stab at it.

39932

To me, it looks cleaner than having the panel wrap over the top.

[Frank818]

That looks pretty good! I believe you convinced me, I will do the same, inside the FB door panel.

[STiPWRD]

Yep, I'll be doing the same

[Mechie3]

How did you secure it? I was never a fan of the exposed screws in the original FFR design and when I was cutting my panel to fit around the door I couldn't make it look OEM. I was considering tabs bonded to the inside with pem nuts or rivnuts. Maybe even some industrial velcro so it's hidden with some trim around the edge of the white. Some trim shaped like a T with a bend at the top would tuck into the gap, hide the joint, and curl around the top of the white.

[Buzz Skyline]

I haven't secured the top edge yet. I was thinking along the same lines as you, but am still investigating options. Even it I end up putting a line of screws along the top, I think it's an improvement over the plastic flap.

[Frank818]

Instead of screws, can some plastic fender/door trim panel fasteners be used? They are still screws, but maybe would look better.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Pcs-Plastic-Rivets-Retainer-Clip-18-x-20-x-8-5mm-for-Car-Bumper-Fender-/370925218441

[C.Plavan]

I did that on the passenger door on the R. I just used small 1/8" rivets all the way around. It turned out great (Race car).

[Mechie3]

Not a bad idea frank. They make some smaller discrete versions too. At least without a phillips head, or broken rivet shaft, or hex head it looks more finished.

[RM1SepEx]

Bond in some of these and bolt on a piece of lightweight aluminum angle to attach the door insert with the plastic pins hidden behind through holes in the aluminum angle http://www.mcmaster.com/#base-studs/=wh9xf4

[Canadian818]

I think over the top will look fine once there's a power window in there with weather stripping. But plastic push style clips would be the cleanest IMO.