| Alfa Romeo Interior: Remove Door Panels and Check for Proper Operation |
From "Classic Car Restoration"
episode DCR-102 |
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In this final segment of the interior restoration, it's time to replace the door panels and check for proper operation of your restored interior. - The door panels of any classic car will most likely need replacing, especially if the car has been sitting for some time. Fortunately, door panels can be replaced fairly inexpensively, and the difference (figure A) is remarkable.
- Be careful when removing the old door panel. Once again, you will want to take photos to be able to retrace your steps.
- On this particular model, there was a water barrier (see photo, right) protecting the underside of the door panel. Ananian didn't want to remove it so he simply used a razor knife to go around the perimeter of the plastic to inspect the window mechanism (figure B) underneath. Once he lubricated the mechanism as needed, he sealed the water barrier with weatherproof tape.
- Now it's time to transfer the hardware from the old panel to the new one.
Restoration Tip: Don't throw away the old panels in case you need them in the future. - When you start making your cuts (for the hardware) in the door panels, be sure to know which holes you're using. It's smart to mark the spot with an "X" (figure C).
- Before transferring the clips that attach the door panels, be sure to make a note of where they go precisely (figure D). Be sure to note in which direction the clips face.
- Be careful as you pop out the clips from the old panels. You don't want to lose or break them.
- When working with the top portion of the door panels be sure to use tape to cover the parts that don't need painting.
- Clean the surface of the panel, place the screws into Styrofoam to hold them upright, put on a mask and spray paint the screws and top panels.
- To assemble the door panels, attach the top pieces first with the painted screws. Slowly work on the rest of the attachments (handles, screws, etc.) until everything is in place (figure E).
RESOURCES :
Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Alfa
Model: 0837607078
Author: Pat Braden
Order this book from Amazon.com
Bentley Publishers
Alfa Romeo Spider: The Complete Story
Model: 1861261225
Author: John Tipler
Order this book from Amazon.com
Crowood Press
Original Alfa Romeo Spider (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760311625
Author: Chris Rees, James Mann
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Essential Alfa Romeo Guilia & Giulietta Coupes & Spiders: The Cars and Their Story 1954-95
Model: 1870979591
Author: David Hodges
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Alfa Romeo: The Spirit of Milan
Model: 0750919582
Author: David G. Styles
Order this book from Amazon.com
Sutton Publishing
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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