Hello all.

Evaluating the condition of the interior door panels on my 60. The two front door panels have a long rectangular-ish shape embossed into the cardboard backing that carries over onto the vinyl pattern.

1. Does anyone know a good source for replacement panels? Mine are tattered, warped and eaten away. Has anyone used SMS Auto Fabrics to re-create their door panels?

2. What is meant by the "weather curtain"? The FSM states the 'weather curtain' lies between the interior door panel and the door frame. Can anyone tell me what it was? What's a good source for replacement of this?

I suspect that "Weather Curtin" refers to plastic moisture barrier sheeting placed between frame of door, and trim panel. You can use 6 mill Polly and attach it with 3M Strip-Calk part number 08578.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

I worked with SMS. They did all 4 door panels for my '62 Signet.

The panels are spot on and the vinyl is an exact match. However it was not a pleasant experience. It took them a year longer than they promised. No problem with that, but the owner blew up in my face without any warning. Why? I'm still not sure...

They sent a sample of the vinyl to my upholstery shop where my seat covers were being made. The color and texture was incorrect. I brought the samples to Doug at SMS to show him. At the time I was not frustrated and calm, no big deal. I was not scolding him, just returning the sample.
Doug explode in my face and started bellowing at me nose to nose. After he calmed down he brought his staff into the room and broke them down in front of me. I felt really bad for the staff. People make mistakes and things happen, it was not a big deal.

However I have dealt with SMS many times before this incident and Doug and the staff were stand up people, professional and prompt with an amazing selection of NOS upholstery. Maybe he was having a bad day or there was something else I was unaware of. An apology would have been nice.

I considered posting this incident on the Forum when it happened, but I am from the school of; if you don't have anything nice to say keep your mouth shut.

B

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These ones go to eleven...

Horrible experience with SMS.....got my stuff, after 3 years.

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Wife's: 64 Valiant
My: 70 Road Runner, 67 Barracuda, AND the 62 Valiant drag car!!

Thanks for relating the experiences guys and WJAJR for defining what the 'weather curtain' is supposed to be. I figured something like that, but wasn't sure.

Would be nice if there were some SOUND INSULATION materials on these rather thin doors. Guess I could add some if I wanted to though I wonder how effective it would be.

While the torsion bar suspension helps this car to ride like a nicer, bigger car, it's definitely no-frills.

Just spray a small 8" x 12" or so patch of undercoating about center of inner side of door skin. You may have to spray on several coats sufficient to stop panel vibration; spray once let set & test, re-spray if needed. This will help to kill that cheapo tinny sound when closing door. Be carful not to get any of that tar on window whiskers, glass slides, and regulator's moving parts; less is more.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

I used Dynomat on the bottom sections of my doors and covered the entire inside of the door with water heater insulation. In fact I did this to the floors and top too. It really made a difference! The water heater insulation also keeps the interior much cooler in the summer.

However, now that the interior is quieter I notice rattles I didn't hear before.

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These ones go to eleven...

Just keep in mind that whatever you use to dampen resonance it has to be something that won't trap moisture such as some sort of self sticking matting would in a door because it basically an exterior surface.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Hello Evan, go to a local car upholsterer or motor trimmer and use them, they will do a great job in reproducing what you need (at least in Australia they do).

I had new door trims made and new vinyl which was 'plastic welded' to be close to original - and price was reasonable too.

The plastic curtain is important as it keeps the water from the inside of your door panel and it is cheap and easy to do. Ask your upholsterer how it should be done - best thing is to cut and tuck-in the plastic in the door cut outs so water runs into the door innards. Your uphosterer or trimmer will explain this in more detail.

Regards, Peter from Downunder!