Door panel won't go back right - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Jetjock · 05-10-2020

I pulled the right door panel off to replace the outside weatherstrip. I put the door panel back and I had a huge gap up front where none was before. All of the screws went back where they were supposed to go. I've had the door panel off three times and each time, it's a different issue. I did replace the Velcro strip but that didn't work. It seems that the screw up front of the door down low and is about two inches long won't hit the screw retainer. I have to pull up on the panel to make it fit. That causes the top of the panel to not catch the upper part of the door. Thoughts.

I'm pulling the panel off tomorrow and try to reset the long screw to where it will fit.

Roy

Corvette95 · 05-11-2020

Did you put the wiring with retainers back in the original place...the tab usually breaks upon first removal and if you don't replace the retaining tab, the wiring connectors being out of place, will not let the door panel seat correctly. ALSO check the lock rod for going up and over and into the slide CORRECTLY--that's a big possibility.

conesare2seconds · 05-12-2020

+1 for lock rod.

secondchance · 05-12-2020

Looking at your signature, I am assuming that we are talking about 92 or 93 Z.
That is a good news because 94 and 95s have different door panels and would require additional repair. Namely, recreating original curvature on top that seem to straighten out over time making it difficult to hook on to a lip on top of the inner panel.
From what I am reading, checking and making sure all components including connectors are not wedged between the door panel and inner panel is a very good point.
I would roll the window down, aligned the top making sure lip on the door panel is hooking on to inner panel (holding the panel leaning the top on top of inner panel and the bottom away from the door at an angle helps), push down and tap the top of the door panel down to make sure the door panel is seated properly and slowly push the bottom of the door panel against the door.
While doing this, make sure the door lock rod is clearing the openg on the door panel opening for the door handle.
I think 90 - 93 door panels has one long sheet metal screw towards the front. I would use long, skinny screw driver or a pick (even better) to line up the screw hole on the door panel to receiving clip on the inner panel. Move door panel forward or backward until opposing hole is located.
Early cars’ passenger side I think have a 7 mm hex that has to be inserted through window switch hole and fasten inner metal bracket to an attachment point. Temporarily holding the hex head screw on to socket with a piece of electric tape can avoid dropping the screw and having to start all over again.

Jetjock · 06-15-2020

I finally got it fixed. There was some Velcro up at the black panel that came off.

Roy

05-10-2020	#1
Jetjock Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auburn, KY Posts: 546	Door panel won't go back right I pulled the right door panel off to replace the outside weatherstrip. I put the door panel back and I had a huge gap up front where none was before. All of the screws went back where they were supposed to go. I've had the door panel off three times and each time, it's a different issue. I did replace the Velcro strip but that didn't work. It seems that the screw up front of the door down low and is about two inches long won't hit the screw retainer. I have to pull up on the panel to make it fit. That causes the top of the panel to not catch the upper part of the door. Thoughts. I'm pulling the panel off tomorrow and try to reset the long screw to where it will fit. Roy __________________ Roy L. Carman If I feel the need for speed, I just think about flying the B-777. 1989 Dk Blue Coupe lost in divorce 1991 Black Coupe SOLD 1992 Black ZR-1 #423 SOLD! 1993 Ruby Red 40th Anniversary ZR-1 #334 1995 Black ZR-1 taken by ex-wife 2002 Pewter Coupe no idea where it is 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette #No idea what number SOLD! ZR-1 Net Registry #516 Grand Sport Lifetime Member NCM Lifetime #1468 ZR-1 Net Registry Board Secretary

05-11-2020	#2
Corvette95 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 1,105	Re: Door panel won't go back right Did you put the wiring with retainers back in the original place...the tab usually breaks upon first removal and if you don't replace the retaining tab, the wiring connectors being out of place, will not let the door panel seat correctly. ALSO check the lock rod for going up and over and into the slide CORRECTLY--that's a big possibility. __________________ Corvette95 Registry and Forum (*************) 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Gry Auto Hardtop Top Flight SOLD 1995 C4 Coupe Purple/Blk 6 Speed 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Red Auto SOLD 1996 C4 Conv Black/Tan Auto SOLD 1994 C4 Coupe Wht/Blk SOLD 1995 C4 ZR-1 White/Gry #278 Dual Dunn Head SOLD 1986 C4 Coupe Black/Red 4+3 SOLD 1990 C4 ZR-1 Red/Red #0454

05-12-2020	#3
conesare2seconds Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Greater St. Louis Posts: 483	Re: Door panel won't go back right +1 for lock rod.

05-12-2020	#4
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,707	Re: Door panel won't go back right Looking at your signature, I am assuming that we are talking about 92 or 93 Z. That is a good news because 94 and 95s have different door panels and would require additional repair. Namely, recreating original curvature on top that seem to straighten out over time making it difficult to hook on to a lip on top of the inner panel. From what I am reading, checking and making sure all components including connectors are not wedged between the door panel and inner panel is a very good point. I would roll the window down, aligned the top making sure lip on the door panel is hooking on to inner panel (holding the panel leaning the top on top of inner panel and the bottom away from the door at an angle helps), push down and tap the top of the door panel down to make sure the door panel is seated properly and slowly push the bottom of the door panel against the door. While doing this, make sure the door lock rod is clearing the openg on the door panel opening for the door handle. I think 90 - 93 door panels has one long sheet metal screw towards the front. I would use long, skinny screw driver or a pick (even better) to line up the screw hole on the door panel to receiving clip on the inner panel. Move door panel forward or backward until opposing hole is located. Early cars’ passenger side I think have a 7 mm hex that has to be inserted through window switch hole and fasten inner metal bracket to an attachment point. Temporarily holding the hex head screw on to socket with a piece of electric tape can avoid dropping the screw and having to start all over again. Last edited by secondchance; 05-12-2020 at 07:28 PM.

06-15-2020	#5
Jetjock Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auburn, KY Posts: 546	Re: Door panel won't go back right I finally got it fixed. There was some Velcro up at the black panel that came off. Roy __________________ Roy L. Carman If I feel the need for speed, I just think about flying the B-777. 1989 Dk Blue Coupe lost in divorce 1991 Black Coupe SOLD 1992 Black ZR-1 #423 SOLD! 1993 Ruby Red 40th Anniversary ZR-1 #334 1995 Black ZR-1 taken by ex-wife 2002 Pewter Coupe no idea where it is 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette #No idea what number SOLD! ZR-1 Net Registry #516 Grand Sport Lifetime Member NCM Lifetime #1468 ZR-1 Net Registry Board Secretary