Can I use Metal door panel on '72 doors?

[jumpsoffrock]

I had plastic door anything. I think plastic looks cheap on old vehicles, even if it's factory. I also don't like "fancy" door panels such as the plastic or woodgrain door panels or inserts.

I like the plain jane metal door panels for their simplicity and strength. I have a 72 with same year doors, the plastic panels were basically chalk and garbage. I bought a set of nice restorable black metal panels without asking the questions.

Will they bolt to the door and fit? It is my understanding they weren't even offered that year, and that my crank handles may stick it farther than desired, but that isn't a problem to me, I'm not changing regulators just for that.

I read these:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/tech/doors.html

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=104767


Thank you everyone.

[sick472]

I used the metal door panels on my 72. The window crank and door handles will stick out about 3/8" further leaving a gap between the base of the handle and the door panel. You can use a foam or felt donut and the original escutcheons to fill the gap. I ended up laying wood in that filled the gap. The door will need to be drilled for the screws that hold the metal panel on. Don't forget to get the upper SS trim and the pull handle.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Or you could replace the Door Latch Controls and Window Regulators for the shorter '68-'71 parts, but that gets spendy.
Sick472 -- I like your wood work in the cab.
Back in the '70s a Marine buddy, worked some 3/8'' plywood into door panels for my '68.
He used a router on the inside to clearance the latch control and regulator actions. It was stained dark brown.
Still have them, and the Stepside is still a daily runner.

[pjmoreland]

I had a '72 passenger door on my old '67. I don't remember having any problems installing the metal door panel on it.

[dagnabbitt]

It wasn't until this post that I realized that the door panels on my 72 were NOT original. I haven't had it long and door panels weren't on my mind. To answer your question I don't see why they would not fit.

[jumpsoffrock]

Perfect, thanks for the posts ya'll!

[michael bustamante]

the panal will bolt right up but the window crank knob will stick out more as the regulator shaft is longer due to the plastic door panal design