Correct look door panels?

[rareair]

Anyone have a photo of what original 1966 door panels are supposed to look like?

I'm considering buying some from TMI, but have no idea how close to "stock" they look. I also want to install the Chrome trims on these panels but have no idea where they are located

[fatalifeaten]

They'd be a single color panel in '66. Grab handles were optional, and I believe both sides had a map pocket in the panel.


Here's an example from a Canada Sales brochure
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit ... dian/9.jpg

Here's another link with a grey version of the same.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/66beetle.php

[branston]

You're correct they are single color and nobody, but nobody reproduces true one year only '66 door panels.

I know, I searched forever to find some for my '66 resto. In the end I gave up and fitted Wolfsburgwest's stock 60's panels with the repro '66 only anodized trims. The result is very acceptable.

Since I did my interior I have found two complete sets of '66 only interiors, a full set in black and another in red with red kick panels. both with the original aluminum trims.

I am currently restoring both sets. I can confirm that only the drivers side has a door pocket and only the passenger side has a door pull/armrest.
I recently saw a full '66 interior in OG red with red seats, steering wheel and kick plates for sale for $1000. gasp.

iof you want photos I can help - contact me.

They'd be a single color panel in '66. Grab handles were optional, and I believe both sides had a map pocket in the panel.


Here's an example from a Canada Sales brochure
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit ... dian/9.jpg

Here's another link with a grey version of the same.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/66beetle.php

[Brian T]

the only place ive seen that offers a 66 specific door panels or seats is lenny copp at west coast classic rest.(classicvws.com)not perfect but thats all ive found

[Rubin66]

These are the ones off my May '66 Beetle sold new in USA. You can see they are pretty rough, and these are the good ones!
The pictures are poor and I can try and take some better ones if asked. They feature two plain rectangular panels formed by embossed seams that look like cording, one above and one below the trim. The trim is perfectly horizontal, front and rear. The trim on the driver's door is one piece w/o armrest, and is in two pieces on the passenger door. The armrest on the passenger door is also horizontal, and is in line with the trim.

[Rubin66]

This is what TMI sells as '65-'66 door panels at 124.95. Notice that they are more heavily padded, have panel shapes that are no where near original looking, and the pre-marked holes for the armrests are at the wrong angle. Also, there is no practical way to install trim on the rear panels, as the feature lines curve downwards
They may make a better panel at TMI, but their catalog and ordering process had me running in circles with SoCal Imports where I ordered them from. Took three months and was happy just to get anything from them at that point.
I know they don't match the original, but I'm going for a nostalgic theme using the wood handles and changing to black. As a kid from the '60s, it reminds me of simpler times.

[rareair]

These are all great & helpful, keep them coming.

But another question. On convertible models, I know both door panels will feature a map pocket. The passenger side will most certainly have an armrest.

I need to know , if on convertible models, does the Left side usually have an armrest? I've seen "supposed" original interior convertible have both with armrests & passenger-only armrest. What gives? Was it an available option?

[Blue Baron]

the only place ive seen that offers a '66 specific door panels or seats is lenny copp at west coast classic rest. (classicvws.com)not perfect but thats all ive found

This is correct. You cannot buy '66-specific door panels from any of the cookiecutter manufacturers. I have a set of new panels ordered from Lenny Copp and I'll report back here on them when I receive them.

[branston]

I'd love to know how they turn out, please post a photo or PM me.

[Elango Velautham]

HI,

How is the trim secured to the fabric of the door panel? Is it secured onto both the fabric and the card-board?

Thanks..

[Rubin66]

The trim is secured by metal clips. They fit into the channel of the inside of moldings. The clips have a sharp point that pierces the upholstery and the door panel, then they are bent over on the backside of the panel.
Not shown but mentioned here as "includes all moldings mounting clips"...
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Detai ... 113853111C

[Blue Baron]

I received the panels from West Coast Classic Restorations, and here's the lowdown:

First the panels themselves: Gorgeous! Fantastic! I'm totally happy with them. They're not dead identical, but they're so close that nobody would notice or care, plus all the holes were there in the right spots for the chrome strips and arm rest. The heat pleats were a perfect '66 pattern. They have slightly more foam under the vinyl than the originals, but this makes them even nicer than stock. I ordered a rear ashtray delete and it looks great. And the price wasn't as crazy as I expected.

Now the bad news, the packaging was terrrible. One rear panel left an impression in a front one because the foam between them shifted, and one corner was torn up from exposure during shipping. It looks okay now after a vinyl repair.

But probably the worst part is dealing with Lenny Copp. He doesn't return phone calls or e-mails, and even hangs up on you if he's talking to another customer. It took weeks of phone calls just to get these things under way. And even after I told him upteen times they were for a '66, he made '67 panels before finally getting them right.

To sum up, I'd give the panels themselves an A grade, but the customer service gets a D minus, and that's being charitable. Is it worth the hassle? Definitely, but good luck trying to herd Lenny.

[branston]

Thanks for the low down.
What a pity you had so many hassles. Would you be good enough to post photos? what about costs......ouch.
Robert

[Blue Baron]

There are new pictures of my car at in this thread:

http://1966vwbeetle.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=860

[Blue Baron]

I don't think $360 is terribly high to pay for top quality custom-made stock pattern door panels. Generic TMI panels run around $180, and Sewfine panels cost around $275, but Sewfine makes only custom door panels and not stock pattern.

Like I said, if Lenny Copp hired someone to take his phone orders instead of trying to do it all himself, I'd be a satisfied customer. I had a timetable for this car, and I'm just happy I ordered early!