What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

I am considering a set of reproduction doors for my 72. The original doors are rusted inside and out after 3 decades of water seepage.

What are your thoughts and experiences on reproduction door shells? How about restoring the originals? How would I prep them and eliminate all the rust on the inside?

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

I've never heard good things about aftermarket doors or tailgates...

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

To me?? I'd rather have one solid set of oem doors than 73 sets of repops. But thats just my opinion. ;) john

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

Try to find original Gm Metal. I have installed and painted a few tail gate from Lmc with out any problems.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

x2 find used doors you will be $$$ ahead in the long run cheers, Pat

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

I'll add another resounding vote for nice originals. You'll pay 6-800 for reproduction doors that don't fit without a lot of work when you can find really nice originals for the same and sometimes much cheaper. Heck, find a rust free truck from AZ for 500-1000 ship it to you for another 1000 and use the doors and part out the rest of the parts :lol:

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

NO NO NO and NO! Repair a set of originals. You should be able to find a decent used set in OK???

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

The trouble isn't finding good doors, but rather finding good 1972 doors with the correct bolt hole under the window wing. I want it to look correct for the year. Has anyone ever tried transplanting that dimple?

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

JUNK! Find some originals. Transplanting the dimple should be no problem if you have some fab experience. Good luck.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

x2

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

So no one likes the reproduction door shells. Thanks for saving me some time and what would definitely be some trouble.

Looks like I'm on the hunt for some rust free doors.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

Try ebay and craigslist. I've seen really nice doors on ebay. No joking!! At least as far as a pic is concerned they are really nice pics.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

If I find some good non-72 doors will they work on my project? I know the dimple will need to be transplanted, but what about the fit of the Cheyenne package door panels?

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

mine were very ugly, but I still took the time over winter to patch them vs going with a reproduction... steer clear of any reproduction door shells they are a nightmare for fitment.. been there done that.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

I've had a WTB ad for 72 doors. Maybe I should expand it to include 67-72. Of course I need to make sure they are compatible with my Cheyenne door panels.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

Here's a quick look at what I have now.

Do you folks think I'm better off having these repaired? If so... what are your recommended procedures? How do I eliminate the rust on the inside of the door? Should I have them blasted?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/...8973def429.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/...d075fd31f9.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/...643dd210d0.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/...06000a2577.jpg

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

I would have them repaired. The lower door skin and inner tub is relatively inexpencive and your doors will be better than the repops when done. WES

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

How do I kill that rust on the inside? I'm worried about that creeping up on me in a few decades.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

A product called "Rustmort". You can buy it at any autobody store. WES

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

Just spend the money & find some originals. Even if you got the patch panels for free you'll still have a ton of man hours repairing them, & when you get all done... Even if you do a perfect job... You'll still have patched up, repaired doors. (just my opinion) john

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

On non 72 doors you can transplant the dimple and you will need to drill like 8 holes to allow for the pop in clips to hold on the 72 door panels. You will need to use 72 window and interior door handle regulators. I would stay away from 1967 doors because you will have another issue with the exterior door handles.

Re: What are your thoughts on reproduction door shells.
 

I think I should share...and I really do regret not finding this thread 4 months ago....I’ve ran through 3 reproduction drivers doors over the past months until I finally understood what went wrong. I purchased my doors from classic muscle, great service, although they listened, I’m not sure that they will follow up with the manufacturer. The issue is that the doors are all 1/8” to 3/16” too high which can be attributed to the window frame position. These frames have 4 spot welds at front and back which set the frame height so evidently a welding jig has slipped. IF YOU ATTEMPT to install the door, once on the hinges most will set the height so that the frame fits at top, if you do this and close the door, you’ll bend the bottom front corner of the door as it is VERY weak. If you start with bottom first to fit frame at top, the door won’t close, so naturally you’ll drop the door and when you close again...you bend the corner.....Yes, I did this...and my body shop did this....and another friend in SC did this, so be careful if you buy reproduction......I’ll agree originals are best, but some of us live in pretty bad weather....