[danpaul]

I posted this question in the 74 firebird section also. My replacement door skin is about 1/2" shorter than the damaged one. Can someone measure an original one for me so that I know what it is supposed to be?

[skunkwerks]

If you are measuring the replacement free standing it will be shorter than an installed one.
As you put the panel on you will slightly stretch it over the door frame to pull a tension on the metal before you fold the corners and spot weld it on. If you did not pull a small tension on the metal when installing it you would get a flimsy exterior panel that would coke can in and out at the slightest touch.

[danpaul]

Originally Posted by skunkwerks

If you are measuring the replacement free standing it will be shorter than an installed one.
As you put the panel on you will slightly stretch it over the door frame to pull a tension on the metal before you fold the corners and spot weld it on. If you did not pull a small tension on the metal when installing it you would get a flimsy exterior panel that would coke can in and out at the slightest touch.

Understood, but a 1/2" ?

[jowo]

I would ask the seller or another supplier to measure another one in their warehouse and exchange for a better one if possible with the seller paying the return freight.
Welcome to the world of repop and NOS (assembly line reject) panels.