Well, I finally got one of my doors done. My arm rest and handle just didn't fit right after I installed the roll cage. So I made a new door handle and pull strap (the doors have lexan windows) to clear everything. I also had to go with a wing window crank in order to clear the front bar. The door panels are the ones from Brazil. I'm happy with the door panels, but wish that they clipped in better. All in all it came out good.
I've heard that he changed them since I got mine. The plastic push pins he used back a year ago were too short and too tight. And he didn't locate them perfectly. Now it could be a difference between my 1972 and the later models they made in Brazil, but the metal clips were easier and had more tolerance built into them. The plastic ones have to be dead center and they almost seem to short and too big around. I heard from Ray Parish that the guy changed the design to work with the metal clips, but I don't know that first hand and the ones I have weren't that way. The quality is top notch and I love the panels! I just wish that they clipped in easier and better. You will notice in the picture that the one right below my door handle isn't in at all. It just won't line up.
Looks great Tony! Nice job on the handle and pull strap. I emailed the guy about his panels and asked if he made the US patterns. His response was "send me a picture and I will make special for you"!
That would be great. They are really nice pieces except for the clips! Thanks Gene!!! It's been a long time coming.
Did you get your door panels yet? If so, how long between the time you ordered and you received them? Do they take the metal clips?
Didn't get them yet. According to tracking they just arrived in the US yesterday. Tomorrow will be six weeks since I ordered them but I've been told that it's unusual for him to take that long. He sent me an email back on May 23rd apologizing for the delay, said they got swamped with orders and it's just him, his wife, and two others that make these. His ebay ad says they are made to use the metal clips.
My panels are from Rodrigo and they have the slots for the metal clips. (They don't come with the clips )_
Received the panels, they look really nice. I like that they have a custom stitched leather look. Looking at the tracking history, after Rodrigo dropped them off at the post office it took three days to get them on the boat, then seven days later they arrived in Miami. Two business days after that they were at my door in PA. Probably be the weekend before I get to try them.
Did you get yours installed yet? How did you go about cutting the holes in the fabric? I received mine a few days ago and they sure do look nice but it's so freaking hot here not sure when I will install them...LOL