72 inside door panels on 70 doors

[70Stub]

From reading old posts, I understand the panels will fit but need to change window regulators and such because the 72 panels are wider than the 70 panels. I found spline extensions on ebay that extends the shafts out 5/8". How much do I need to extend the shafts? Would the 5/8" longer work? I already have the 72 panels, didnt realize they were wider when I got them several years ago. Thanks!

[Orange Crate]

Can't you put the extensions and panels on and just see if they fit? When you put new panels retainers on, soak them in hot water and they won't crack.

[58 Special]

Never heard of those extensions. I put 72 door panels on my 71 suburban 25-30 years ago. for front doors i got good used regulator's from a pick-up changed at the same time i installed OEM tinted windows. The third door and non door were a little more difficult to obtain. After searching for a few months I salvaged some posts from 72 regulators , drilled the rivets out of my original regulators installed the longer posts. Three weeks later found 72 suburban doors with regulators. My suggestion is just get 72 regulators. It's the best way. Not to tough to change out the regulators.

[Orange71shorty]

Pre 72 door panels have captive nuts welded to the door, 72 only have holes for plastic fasteners to go in. That said you can still make 72 panels work by changing regulators and drilling out for plastic fasteners

[58 Special]

It's been a while but I don't remember having to drill out any captive nuts to install 72 regulators on my 71 suburban.

[Orange71shorty]

Originally Posted by 58 Special

It's been a while but I don't remember having to drill out any captive nuts to install 72 regulators on my 71 suburban.

Regulators bolt right up. 67-71 metal door panels are fastened by screws along the bottom. 72 have holes for plastic push clips

[kwmech]

You also need the door openers for a 72

[58 Special]

Yes replaced all 7 units on my suburban somewhere around 1995-96

[70Stub]

https://www.googleadservices.com/pag...ECAkQDA&adurl=

[chewychevy67]

Wish I had saw those before. I replaced my original 67 with 72 gm restoration pieces for my doors which were junk and handles rattled.

[1970cstblazer]

Well, those are neat..

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by 58 Special

It's been a while but I don't remember having to drill out any captive nuts to install 72 regulators on my 71 suburban.

They're actually Cage Nuts, and are held in by clips on each side. By reaching inside the door with panels removed, you squeeze the sides of each nut the right way with needlenose pliers, and they pop off. You can still get new cage nuts from Ace Hardware.
Drilling out is the hard way. Unless they're really crusted with rust. IDK about that. I live in AZ.