Cheyenne Door Panels: 1972 (poor quality?) v 71

[Austin C10]

I noticed that the 1971 door panels are metal wrapped with a really nice scrolled vinyl facing. The 72 are molded ABS plastic which require an insert to look nice, IMO. I think that Chevy was trying to get away from a Cowboy/western look and trying to be more "refined".

Several of the online catalogs (GMC Pauls, Manes) won't sell the reproduced 1972 panels, b/c of the poor quality. Is it acceptable to use the 1971s in a 1972 Cheyenne? Will they fit?

[FormerMember]

I think they will fit, but you have to use a different regulator.

The 72 regulators are longer to make for the thickness of the plastic door panels.

You could also create a spacer. This is what I am doing.

[nutsforchevys]

I searched ebay and finally found a set of original nice panels that a man had in storage. I went to ace hardware and purchased some plastic / vinyl paint sprayed them, and put some clear coat on the wood grain inserts and they look like brand new.

[Classic Heartbeat]

The reproductions are poor quality. My advise is to find a set of nice originals. Especialy if you want to add the stainless and woodgrain trim. That won't fit into the reproductions at all. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

[c10crazy]

I still can't see how those woodgrain inserts attach to the plastic???

[StingRay]

The woodgrain inserts are held down by the chrome trim which is held down by bent over tangs that look like nails that pass through holes in the deluxe door panel. Standard 72 panels do not have the holes.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Both the door handle regulator and the window cranks are different I do believe...