Difference in doors from 76-77? Help!

[Theoriginalsilverado]

Hey people!

Quick question for you- but first the backstory!

I've been considering getting new door panels for a while now. LMC has recently came out with a new line of gorgeous door panels from TMI- http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=70



However, they're only for '77-'87 trucks; I own a '75. These panels would go great with my interior and truck color, and I plan on getting the matching dash.
Brother also has the same panels listed in all black leather( https://www.brotherstrucks.com/73-80...tinfo/QDP0080/ ), however they claim they'll fit any truck in the '73-87 era. I've confirmed that the doors did infact change in 1977 (see here- http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7387differences.htm ) I'm guessing this is a mistake on behalf of Brother Trucks. TMI also has it listed on the site for '77-'87.

My question for anyone who may know- what exactly are the differences that will affect door panels?

Is the handle in a different position?

Are the mounting holes moved?

Is the geometry different?

If anyone has pictures or measurements of the doors from either era I'd appreciate you uploading them! I'm away from my truck at university so I'm unable to measure my own door.


If the differences are minor, I plan on purchasing the panels anyways and modifying it to fit.

Thanks in advance! Any input is greatly appreciated!

Here's the latest progress on my truck for anyone interested:

[D13]

Early doors are not power window capable.

[hatzie]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...4&postcount=10

[Theoriginalsilverado]

I was aware of this, but any idea on how that effects the positioning of the handle, and the panel?

Originally Posted by D13

Early doors are not power window capable.

[Theoriginalsilverado]

This is perfect! Thanks so much for sharing.

Any ideas on where this leaves me for the door panel situation?

Originally Posted by hatzie

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...4&postcount=10

[rainamy]

Originally Posted by Theoriginalsilverado

This is perfect! Thanks so much for sharing.

Any ideas on where this leaves me for the door panel situation?

Without seeing the back of the new panel, it's hard to say.

I would GUESS that those new panels will NOT fit 73-76, the same way a 77-91 c/k/r/v series door panel won't fit - those extra slots and all cut into the doors, ya know? You could probably (again I GUESS) cut up the metal on your doors to make them work, essentially turning your doors into 77-up shells, but... Probably cheaper and easier to go with another option

[Sabaka454]

They should work just fine. You have to drill holes regardless since they don't use the factory mounting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSGC...ature=youtu.be ask them for the instructions so you understand where you have to drill before you order.

[Theoriginalsilverado]

That's what I'm thinking... my biggest concern is the door handle being in a different location... really need some help here

Originally Posted by Sabaka454

They should work just fine. You have to drill holes regardless since they don't use the factory mounting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSGC...ature=youtu.be ask them for the instructions so you understand where you have to drill before you order.

[Theoriginalsilverado]

Thanks for all the input guys! If someone has any more info about the positioning of the door handles that would be awesome

[77 ChevySport]

FWIW: Here is picture of my original door panels on my 77 Scottsdale. Larry

[Theoriginalsilverado]

Awesome! I really appreciate it! Now if someone could just post one from 73-76 I could use some photoshopping skills to measure the differences

Originally Posted by 77 ChevySport

FWIW: Here is picture of my original door panels on my 77 Scottsdale. Larry

[stanski]

Those are really nice looking replacement door panels. If they are as good as they look, I'd buy them and modify the door to make them work. The outer dimensions of the panel will be the same as all 73-87 doors, so its the stuff between the margins that differs between the years, and those things can all be modified as required.

[Theoriginalsilverado]

That's what I'm thinking. I just wanna be sure that the door handle or something major isn't different

Originally Posted by stanski

Those are really nice looking replacement door panels. If they are as good as they look, I'd buy them and modify the door to make them work. The outer dimensions of the panel will be the same as all 73-87 doors, so its the stuff between the margins that differs between the years, and those things can all be modified as required.

[RADustin]

Originally Posted by D13

Early doors are not power window capable.

IIRC it was for power locks. not windows.


keep the small door panels! they are sweet!

[Theoriginalsilverado]

I like the small panels but these will go so well with my color scheme, plus I need a new dash and it will match

Originally Posted by RADustin

IIRC it was for power locks. not windows.


keep the small door panels! they are sweet!

[RADustin]

It's your truck, enjoy it!

It is sad for me to see so many rare options being deleted in favor of the not so rare one.

Then again, I sold a truck I wanted to build specifically because it didn't have the small door panel doors. So I am biased and probably crazy.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by RADustin

IIRC it was for power locks. not windows.


keep the small door panels! they are sweet!

I thought it was both locks and windows. IRTRTBW.

I like the small panels. I'm biased. I have Silverado panels on the 76 with the scrollwork aluminum and faux wood grain.

[bigblock73]

Handles are in a slightly different location, and the 73-76 window regulator shaft is shorter than the 77 up shaft...so it won't clear the 77 up door panel.

[RADustin]

Originally Posted by hatzie

I thought it was both locks and windows. IRTRTBW.

I like the small panels. I'm biased. I have Silverado panels on the 76 with the scrollwork aluminum and faux wood grain.

I believe through my research it was just to hide the electric solenoid for the locks. which was drilled and mounted to the inner door. I guess the new panel also had provisions for the switches.

The wood grain and scrolled aluminum panels are what I'm running. But they'll need some restoration on the aluminum. Thinking about hydro dipping the paint back in there.

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Handles are in a slightly different location, and the 73-76 window regulator shaft is shorter than the 77 up shaft...so it won't clear the 77 up door panel.

Won't the 77up electric regular work in the earlier doors? This was my plan with the window crank switches.

[bigblock73]

Door inner structure was redesigned for 77 to accommodate the power window option made available that year, so...no they won't fit a 73-76 door, at least without structural modifications.