Door Question

[Super_Dave]

LMC and other suppliers, split the years for doors between 1973-1976 and 1977-1987. Does anyone know what the differences are that require the split years?

I have a lead on a 1977 aftermarket door, for a really good price, that makes fixing a couple of dents in mine more costly than swapping the door. However, my project is a 1974 C20... and I am concerned about the reason the vendors split the years at the 1977 model year.

Thanks!

Dave

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with LMC and they don't know why the years are split at 1976/1977... just that they are different. Suggested I call the manufacturer...

[old Rusty C10]

the split as far as I know are 73=80 and 81=87 (91),, the differences are the interior portion to accommodate door panels

[KrazyRay]

The 73-76 use the smaller door panels and the 77 up use the bigger panels. The 73-76 are hard to find not rusted out on the underside.

[old Rusty C10]

Originally Posted by KrazyRay

The 73-76 use the smaller door panels and the 77 up use the bigger panels. The 73-76 are hard to find not rusted out on the underside.

there was also a difference in the window cranks ( longer stem) until 1980

[Super_Dave]

So bottom line is, since this is just a door shell, I can move my components over to the 77 door, maybe have to drill some holes or something for the door panels, but hardware wise (regulator, wing windows, etc...) and external fit wise, it should be fine?

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by Super_Dave

So bottom line is, since this is just a door shell, I can move my components over to the 77 door, maybe have to drill some holes or something for the door panels, but hardware wise (regulator, wing windows, etc...) and external fit wise, it should be fine?

100% incorrect. Inner door guts are different...only 73-76 parts will work on a 73-76 door...same for 77-87. Inner window tracks are different, window regulators are different...and don't interchange between 73-76 and 77-87 doors. Found out the hard way trying to put 73 parts in a 77+ door.

[old Rusty C10]

again I disagree I can show you photographs of factory new reproduction doors factory marked 73-80 I too have tried putting 81 up parts into the earlier door ad it wouldn't work as far as windows but the locks are pretty much the same . there were subtle differences like the latch on the wing window and design of the inner door handle I can also post a picture of the 73-80 door shell that ive removed from my 74 it will bolt up and I can and have swapped parts with my 79

[Super_Dave]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

100% incorrect. Inner door guts are different...only 73-76 parts will work on a 73-76 door...same for 77-87. Inner window tracks are different, window regulators are different...and don't interchange between 73-76 and 77-87 doors. Found out the hard way trying to put 73 parts in a 77+ door.

So Jeff, what you are saying is that the mounting locations for regulators, window tracks, etc are different and so they don't interchange? Since it's a shell, it doesn't have anything installed... so it comes down to bolt locations for regulators and tracks... etc, correct? Is the door glass different as well?

As for wing windows, if the door opening for the glass is the same shape and angle, then again it comes down to mounting locations or raised bosses for bolts...

If the above are reasonably correct assumptions, then I have to assume I would need to get all new guts from stem to stern and install them in the '77 door. Besides bodywork, my passenger door needs a new regulator anyway, and both wing windows need refurbishing... So it all comes down to: will the '77 door profile fit the '74 opening?

[bhc41051]

73-76 and 77-91

[bigblock73]

When i went to put my 73 guts in a 77 up door...i had to swap out the inner door roller tracks...they were different. On top of that, the window stalks were too short, and would not work with the 77 up door panels.

[Super_Dave]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

When i went to put my 73 guts in a 77 up door...i had to swap out the inner door roller tracks...they were different. On top of that, the window stalks were too short, and would not work with the 77 up door panels.

... sounds like getting the aftermarket '77 door shell for $60 and adding the needed guts is the only option. Buying a new '74 door for $140 and adding $130 to ship it, makes an online door $270... hard to believe that I would add $210 worth of guts to the '77... especially if I can find some in the bone yard. Bone yard '73-'76 doors that are not as bad as what I already have, are pretty rare in my area.

Ironic how there are certain areas where the '73-'87 really isn't '73-'87 when it comes to interchangeability. Really need at least four sub groups, '73-76, '77-87, '73-'80, '81-87, and God only knows how many more. Seems like a lot of "change for change sake." Adds spice to the hobby.

[motornut]

I swapped 89/87 Burb parts into 78 doors,
I noticed
older doors have thicker glass,this may affect ordering seals.
older locks use metal rod clips,newer use plastic.
older vents have no locks,newer do,bolted right in.
I'm sure i used newer (87)regulators ,in 78 doors.

[jjmorrse]

I always liked those early doors best. Something about showing that much sheetmetal around the panel always says "this is a truck", but I also like the plaid bench seats as well, so my taste can't really be trusted.........to be anything but groovy

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by jjmorrse

I always liked those early doors best. Something about showing that much sheetmetal around the panel always says "this is a truck", but I also like the plaid bench seats as well, so my taste can't really be trusted.........to be anything but groovy

I agree - you are not to be trusted.



K

[KrazyRay]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

When i went to put my 73 guts in a 77 up door...i had to swap out the inner door roller tracks...they were different. On top of that, the window stalks were too short, and would not work with the 77 up door panels.

73 is a 1 year only regulator with the small plastic rollers and the 73 door glass has the smaller channel for those smaller rollers.

[bigblock73]

So are your saying GM made a '73 only door too because of these changes? When I priced out doors from GM back in '95, I had 2 options...73-76, 77-91. One would think the regulators would follow the doors for changes that affect window fitment. Not being a smart ass, just trying to understand the differences/changes.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I agree - you are not to be trusted.



K

I figured you'd have more info on this debate.