Has anyone recovered their interior door panels with the door skins some of the vendors are selling? If so, how tough is it on a scale of say 1 to 10.

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I did the door skins and they looked OK but had to paint as they didn't match interior.  This time I'm doing basic panels and transferring the trim, etc.

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Thanks for the reply. I have the deluxe ( I believe that's what they are called) panels with the carpet on the bottom. They are not terrible and as a matter of fact, are in great shape except for the arm rest. The panel on the drivers side got a small tear in the top of it and I'm just a perfectionist and hate for things like that to be seen. I guess before I spend a lot of money, I should check with an upholstery shop to see if there might be a way to repair it.

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I have the Deluxe also.  I just pulled all of the trim off and put the skins on and reinstalled the trim, carpet, etc.  Plan to do the same w/ the new ones.

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Do the skins just not look right or glue on well or is the whole job too timely for the end results?

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The skins look fine after they been put on. You just have to be careful to not apply any adhesive to the surfaces that are perpendicular to the basic panel because when you slide it on, it will stick there before it slides all the way down in places like the arm rest.  Do a trial fit and I think you will see what I mean.

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Thanks Shark for the information. I might give them a try and will post on my experience. I promise to keep the language civil no matter the results.

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I have heard the skins are difficult to install.  For the extra money buying the whole panel is better.

Hi P72,

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There is a DVD available that explains/shows how to do this.  I have watched it and it does not seem that difficult to me.  I got it more to learn how to remove the door panels.  That is a little tricky.  I found that it is easier to remove and replace the panel without removing the door handle.  In fact, it is almost impossible to re-install the handle, after you put the panel back in place.  The panel can be maneuvered on over the handle, and removed that way also.  The DVD is available from Eklers. Takes you through the whole process.  Not that big a deal, IMO. 

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Thanks dapper, I will look into the dvd from Ecklers. I just have a small place where something put a small hole in the vinyl. Other than that, everything is good. I did install the after market arm rest pieces but that's all. I think I'm going to try to and fill the area with some kind of filler then redye it and the other panel. However the dvd is interesting.

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