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-   74-76 Firebird & TA TECH (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=440)
-   -   Drivers door (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=871218)

danpaul 01-06-2024 08:27 PM

Drivers door
 
My wife hit the drivers door of my 74 while backing out of the garage a couple months ago. I need a replacement drivers door (again). I can find a complete replacement shell for a 75 and up, but nothing for a 74. Can someone remind me of the differences between the two? I can make a replacement skin work, if I cannot find a complete shell. Does anyone know of a quality source? I was very disappointed in the skin that I received a few years ago from Dynacorn.
The doors on this car are hands down the biggest PITA of any part of the complete restoration. Rebuilding the transmission was much easier than screwing with these doors and the low quality aftermarket parts that are available.

Red80TA 01-06-2024 09:42 PM

The basic differences are 1970 had their own drainage hole system in door base with plug strips, and different end pressings where the labels are found, changed in 71.

All door skins are the same regardless of long or short handle used, possibly different thickness sheetmetal between early and late. 70-77 have the early power door lock solenoid position dimples, moved for the 78-81 actuator setup. Easy to reposition, don't just go drilling without checking.

The inside pressing of the doors changed in 75, mainly around the regulator and door handle. I believe this really only affects the type of inner door handle assembly and cup bezel used. Not sure how easily it can be modified or swapped etc, I guess plenty have had this issue over the years even if they didn't find out until assembly.

The inner crash bars were also increased in size over the years, possibly also around the 74-75 era. The area above door handle for lock switch was also depressed for clearance. This didn't move until 78, 77 was on dash, but door may have been that way in advance.

Here's some random pics from a PY post showing both doors. Black is 71, blue is 78. Still hard to compare at same time.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...7&d=1200800125

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...0&d=1200800184

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...8&d=1200800125

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...9&d=1200800184

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=547747

Red80TA 01-23-2024 08:50 AM

Was that of any use?

danpaul 01-30-2024 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red80TA (Post 6480162)
Was that of any use?

Yes - you reminded me that I did graft in the door handle area. Was working fine. Sorry for the late response and thanks for the info.
BTW - Golden Star Auto has replacement complete doors - but they are for 75 and up. I suppose that I can butcher another!

Held for Ransom 01-30-2024 10:25 PM

danpaul, message sent

danpaul 01-31-2024 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Held for Ransom (Post 6482311)
danpaul, message sent

PM replied. Thanks Mike


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