Door Panels: Metal vs Plastic

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So, I've slowly started improving my new gal. Ordered new temp guage, glove box, heater control repair kit and coolant overflow from LMC. Haven't gotten them yet but am hoping the products are of good quality. My next go round may include new door panels. I saw on LMC's online catalog that they have metal ones that are for '67-'71. I have a '72. I'm hoping that the metal ones (or ones from a previous year) would fit on my truck. I see the possibility of them getting dented, which may be why most trucks dont have them. One thing I do know is that I don't like the ones on my '72 and will probably change them out to one of the other choices. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

[fastwillie 696969]

i got metal door panels that i went and had hydrotransfer film applied here's a pic of one

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Originally Posted by fastwillie 696969

i got metal door panels that i went and had hydrotransfer film applied here's a pic of one

Do you know if the earlier model panels will fit on my '72?

[centsless]

The earlier door panels will work on a 72 but not vice versa. The door latch and window crank shafts are longer in the 72 so they work with the thicker plastic panel. You will need the metal upper retainers but they are readily available here on the board classifieds.

Fastwillie, your panels look AWESOME!!! PM me some details on those please!!

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Originally Posted by centsless

The earlier door panels will work on a 72 but not vice versa. The door latch and window crank shafts are longer in the 72 so they work with the thicker plastic panel.

So my next question is if I go with earlier model panels, will that cause my latch and crank to stick out too far? or would I need to also replace their respective parts? I'm hell bent on putting on any panels but the ones for a '72. They look like crap.