Door panel tech tip.

[HO455]

The door panels in my Burban are covered with fabric and the bottom of the fabric would get wet when it rained. After disassembly I noticed the large amount of tape holding the fabric down (Photo #1) and I assumed that it was somehow catching water and channeling it to the bottom of the panel where it would collect. So I removed the tape, trimmed the fabric and glued it down to the panel. (Photo #2 only shows the bottom done)
After reinstalling I waited for the rains to come and prove my theory. Unfortunately when the rain started one side still was getting soggy. So I pulled it apart again and took a closer look and found the black seal cord was unglued from the door and sagging as the red line in the third photo shows. Once I glued it back in its groove and reassembled it the water stopped collecting in the fabric.
Those clever engineers at GM designed that seal/rubber cord on the door to catch water running down the inside of the door and channel it to one of the two oval holes (Blue arrow) just above the seal where it then would drain back to the inside of the door.
I like fixing water leaks!

[LockDoc]

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You know, I've seen those holes but it never dawned on me that was what they were for. Sure makes sense though. I'm bad about not putting the seals back in but I will re-think that practice. Thanks, stuff like this is what makes this board such a great place....

LockDoc

[Ol Blue K20]

Thanks for the info. I learned something new.

[lil hoodlum]

Wow, thanks for the info too. I also learned something new today.

[special-K]

Are you saying duct tape did not fix that??? I learned something new right there!

Thanks for the helpful tip, I learned to think about that, too, thanks to your thread.

[suville]

What are the arm rest/door pulls from

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by suville

What are the arm rest/door pulls from

55-66 chevy trucks. I have those in my truck also. The bolt holes line up perfect.

[maverickmk]

Very good info. I wondered what those little holes were for as well.

[Killer Bee]

guess that explains why all four lower screws have to be drilled out of every door panel I remove

good write up, thank you!

[67swb72klb]

I have put plastic visqueen covering the access hole on the door shell to keep the water out.
I believe the factory had some sort of a water shield there as well

[HO455]

You all are welcome! Just trying to return some knowledge to payback all that I have learned here.
Happy holidays to everyone.

[suville]

What arm rest are those from?

[HO455]

Originally Posted by suville

What arm rest are those from?

They are 56-66 GM truck arm rests. And as tdangle said they bolt right on no modification needed. They are the easiest modification I have done on my Burban

https://www.classicindustries.com/sh...ents/armrests/

[suville]

Thanks was wondering if they would work. Have a Merry Christmas and a very good 2020

[HO455]

An additional photo to help show the waters path between the door skin and the door panel.

Green arrows indicate where the water gets in behind the door panel.
Red circles are where the water is channeled back inside the door.

[cj847]

Excellent info. It is important to note when building any vehicle; anywhere that dirt or water can gather (including simple condensation) it must be vented hopefully on bottom. Most of the common rust on these vehicles could have been prevented or greatly reduced if the vent/drain holes were kept clear.

Even if you look at the parking light lens you will note there is a small gap at the bottom. Even though there is a gasket on the lens it still must have a vent to prevent condensation buildup. This is especially important if you don't live in the desert.