Doors

[rusty76]

I've been searching for a while now for a set of doors for my '76. I can find '81 and up doors easier and usually in better shape. But I do not care for the door panels from those years. I actually like the '73-'77 door panels. I was wondering since the lower parts of my doors are rusted and need to be replaced if I could cut the parts I need off of '81-'87 door to work with my existing doors? This would include outer skin and lower door portion? I know you can buy the parts to fix them through the many vendors but I can usually buy a complete door for about the same amount. Any thoughts? Is there a way to make the '73-'77 door panels work on the later model doors? I know that they are different just don't know exactly what makes them different. Thanks.

[daryn67]

Bolt them one and use the older panels, no difference!

[79 silverado]

Originally Posted by daryn67

Bolt them one and use the older panels, no difference!

Incorrect. The newer doors have holes in the metal that would be exposed by the smaller early door panels.

[79 silverado]

Originally Posted by rusty76

I know that they are different just don't know exactly what makes them different. Thanks.

If you looks at your door shell, there is a sloping flat metal surface that tapers away from the edge of the plastic door panel and down to the flat part of the door shell. On the newer door shells there are a series of rectangular holes around the perimeter of the sloping metal through the door itself, and the redesign of the door panel/door shell were made to expand available room so that power window assemblies could be installed and offered in the trucks. This is why you do not see power windows in the early trucks, but do see them in the later ones..

[bigblock73]

Doors are either 73-76 or 77-91
Door panels are 73-76, 77-80, and 81-91

[rusty76]

So I would assume the lower door portion where the vent in the door is the same though. This would be the bottom 1/3 or so. I know on the newer doors the panel comes down half way or so but beyond that is the door different? Could I possibly cut out what I need to fix what I need to fix? Thanks for the help and feedback.

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

I think the lower portion is the same, I think that would work out w/o any issues other then the already mentioned door panel issue. I think if you buy patch panels for the door bottoms they are all the same from 73-87 (88-91)

-Sam

[rusty76]

Kinda what I was thinking too. Thanks.