cracked door panels ?

**KMdef9** · 01-02-2011, 11:57 AM

I don't think the additional support (wire mesh) is needed. Removing the staples relieves the stress causing problem and the glue will work well enough if properly bonded. The repair will be as strong as the weakest link, so making sure the glue has properly bonded should be the main concern.

**024mula** · 01-02-2011, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by KMdef9

I don't think the additional support (wire mesh) is needed. Removing the staples relieves the stress causing problem and the glue will work well enough if properly bonded. The repair will be as strong as the weakest link, so making sure the glue has properly bonded should be the main concern.

I don't think the wire mesh is nessary either, but I SURE feel better by putting wire mesh (allumium wind screen) in. I sure feel better knowing I did everthing possible.

**speedyWS6** · 01-02-2011, 01:00 PM

Hi guys....

KMdef9, you're thinking that you don't need the mesh... but i reckon , 024mula,that you made a very wise choice by including it in the repair!!

You cite the weakest link and this is surely the crack itself and if the glue has no strengthening parts (mesh) then it WILL fracture, in time, in my opinion. Yes the staples are relieved and this is the main culprit, but.......

Think of it like this.... two beer mats glued over/along the edge to edge join. If you were to flex the resulting join it would fracture, trust me, unless perhaps you emptied the whole pack of mixed glue over it REALLY thickly!!! But.... the two beer mats glued at the edge to edge join WITH A THIRD mat half over each side of the join (brickwork fashion) would surely NOT fracture, as it now has hugely improved glueing surfaces and an excellent splinting effect...Just the way it is. I hope not to put anybody's nose out of joint by "labouring" the point , but it is common sense and, yes 024mula... you did good by adding it...

Trev....

**024mula** · 01-02-2011, 01:23 PM

It cost me a little more than $6.00 (the price of two more tubes of epoxy) and some window screen that I got for free at any place that repairs screen windows or doors. They always have long and narrow strips that there going to throw away.

None of us on this site are salesman for the epoxy glue companies. Were just a bunch of guys trying to help other people.

Dale

**Too Fast** · 01-04-2011, 03:28 AM

I fixed mine before they cracked, years ago, with no screen. Still ok today and I didn't want the extra weight on my car.

J/K, I never thought about using a small piece of screen.

**024mula** · 01-04-2011, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Too Fast

I fixed mine before they cracked, years ago, with no screen. Still ok today and I didn't want the extra weight on my car.

J/K, I never thought about using a small piece of screen.

Thats GREAT

, what kind of epoxy or what did you use on the panel?
Did you remove the staples or did you just loosen them?

**Too Fast** · 01-04-2011, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by 024mula

Thats GREAT

, what kind of epoxy or what did you use on the panel?
Did you remove the staples or did you just loosen them?

I removed the staples and did it just like the HP Pontiac link demonstrated, put it back together with small nuts and bolts. I don't remember what kind of epoxy, probably just a generic 2-part.

**chevyhump** · 05-16-2011, 05:11 PM

HI Has anyone ever had the panels plastic welded?

**KMdef9** · 05-16-2011, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by chevyhump

HI Has anyone ever had the panels plastic welded?

Do you mean a glue product the refers to itself as "plastic welding"?

**nichoLaS1** · 05-18-2011, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by chevyhump

HI Has anyone ever had the panels plastic welded?

this?

If that is what you are referring to then, yes thats exactly what I used, and it worked great; havent had any problems. Just make sure you mix it properly and allow for it to properly cure.

**024mula** · 05-18-2011, 07:42 AM

This is the epoxy I used.

**Wheredhego** · 08-01-2011, 08:38 PM

As this seems to be such a common problem, does anyone know a place where they sell the panels new? Aftermarket stuff that actually fits. Been checking Ebay and I'm seeing a lot of cracked panels, or grey panels. Natually I need black...

**justinmc978** · 08-01-2011, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by Wheredhego

As this seems to be such a common problem, does anyone know a place where they sell the panels new? Aftermarket stuff that actually fits. Been checking Ebay and I'm seeing a lot of cracked panels, or grey panels. Natually I need black...

there are no aftermarket vendors, I have bought tens of perfect door panels on craigslist, I would try there. black panels can come from 00-02 cars.

**Cutlass** · 08-02-2011, 04:41 AM

Last time I checked, Vintage Parts in Beaver Dam, WI, had a few new-old-stock firebird door panels. I'm not sure which ones they had but they did have a few. But they were expensive. Something like $500 for a panel.

**Quailer** · 08-12-2011, 11:34 AM

Saw the same article But my cracks are way through the panel, 2 pieces. Looking for new panels for my 30th 99 T/A. Went to T/A Creations their spill was after 97/98 panels were thin walled and thats what caused the stress cracks. Wanted me to order the panels they had 97 for $400 apiece. Also had a comment "you 30th guys want show car new" . Course not. We want them pissed on and chewed by a dog.

**Rob00Taws6** · 08-17-2011, 04:56 PM

I did this fix too, just in time, mine were just starting to crack. could just about see the point where they were starting to turn a little white due to the stress. but did anyone else have a hell of a time putting the door panel back on? seems like the stupid nuts got in the way of everything, nothing would line up, had to grind the nut just to get it to fit right. everything is good now.

**Cutlass** · 08-17-2011, 06:30 PM

My panels went back on ok after the fix. I wonder why you had issues.

**KMdef9** · 08-17-2011, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

My panels went back on ok after the fix. I wonder why you had issues.

Same here. Not easy, but the same as before the fix.

**Rob00Taws6** · 08-18-2011, 03:37 PM

?? Not sure, I think I used 6/32 nuts and screws, took a long time to test and fit, they were getting hung up on the composite lip... Dam i just figured it out... HPP. calls for 4/40 screws. Ones i used were to big, oh well, took a little more time to get them in with all the grinding, it was worth it thought. beats having the crack getting worse.

**Too Fast** · 08-19-2011, 03:10 AM

Yes I'm so glad I did this fix also. I've seen some terribly cracked door panels.

Now if only my drivers seat and the head liner would be ok! At least my dash is good, I've seen some pretty bad cracks on these as well.