question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and door?
 

71 C-10

Other than to ensure your panel doesn't remain flat? My LH door has it and the RH doesn't, which I'd bet is original. I can guess among a few scenarios.

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...07&oe=56F1D6A3

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

Anti rattle.

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

Really, that's it?

I figured one or more of:
noise reduction
air reduction
pads the panel

I've also heard it was to keep water out of the cab.

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

There was a waxy type of paper water shield for that

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

My 69 never had any waxy paper, plastic or any other such thing. That came later (possibly 1972?). It did have the foam seal pictured. If you look just above the foam in the picture, you'll see 3 elongated holes. The only reason they'd be there is for water drainage. Unlike today's trucks, these doors were very susceptible to water intrusion. The rubber squeegee-like things at the bottom of the door windows are primarily there to hide the gap between the window and door. They usually don't even contact the glass. Therefore, water gets in the door and through the access openings in the inner door. The foam keeps the water from leaking into the cab and the holes drain it back into the door where it drains out the holes at the bottom of the door. I've never seen the foam distort the door trim panels. Are yours steel or steel backed? I believe all, at least all prior to 72, were. I'm not sure about 72s or reproductions.

At least that's my theory... I see no other plausible reason

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

Great explanation First owner.

The panels are a well made sheet of plastic. 1971

Beings the RH panel without a foam rubber strip is flatter than the LH with it, I can say near positive the foam rubber does distort the panel. If nothing to compare it to, then I can see why it would go overlooked.

My cab has been a real treat. Missing screws, etc. As far as I'm concerned, the RH door w/o foam is another example of poor workmanship from original. The only other explanation is the door was replaced before I got it, nearly three decades ago. Which is more likely?

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

Cleaned these up today. Next time I see these it's a good day (i.e., done or nearly). Can't say I'm dissatisfied with the original cosmetics on the interior of this truck. Nearly all of it looks as it did new or real close. Seat excluded of course, it's thrashed.



https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...1d&oe=56B24687

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

Sorry, couldn't help it:

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...b7&oe=56E95A30

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

:metal: ..nice.

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

This old original truck was a mess, but I am pretty sure this was the 1st time the door panel had been taken off.

Re: question for the Chevy encyclopedia, why for foam rubber between door panel and d
 

Theres alot of road dirt and dust inside the gasket in the 1st photo, it looks like the gasket kept the outside area very clean.