Deluxe Door Panel Inserts

[eric lipper]

A couple of the tabs that hold the insert on my door panel fatigued and broke.  After I looked over them closely it turns out that they are reproduction so I don't feel compelled to save them.  I know that NOS stuff is probably hard as heck to find.  So, as of November 23, 2020 who makes the best reproduction.  It looks like Scott Drake is everywhere and that is probably what my car has.  All advice is appreciated before I click.

[cascade-classics]

Burton Antique Auto Parts has the door panel and dash inserts made of real stainless with the backing.  Much better than the other reproductions.   EDIT - Not sure why I said stainless, I meant brushed aluminum. 

[2112]

Burton Antique Auto Parts has the door panel and dash inserts made of real stainless with the backing.  Much better than the other reproductions.

Has anyone placed an order recently? I had trouble getting thru a while back, want to try again if they are still a going concern.

Maybe I have a bad #?

[eric lipper]

I just ordered a pair from NPD and they say they are in stock and made by Burton.  I will let everyone know how it works out for me.

[Bob Gaines]

Burton Antique Auto Parts has the door panel and dash inserts made of real stainless with the backing.  Much better than the other reproductions.

Not stainless steel .The originals along with the ones Burton makes are brushed aluminum.

[2112]

I just ordered a pair from NPD and they say they are in stock and made by Burton.  I will let everyone know how it works out for me.

That is great. Was there an advantage to going to Burton directly? Color matching maybe?

[eric lipper]

The part that I bought is the stainless insert -- not the panel itself.  They have to be swapped into my panels which are, oddly enough, either the originals or service parts.  They were redyed but in a very competent way. The driver's side has some minor cracking at the door pull but the passenger side is about as good as I have seen.  I will post a picture whenever I get the new inserts installed.

[Bob Gaines]

The part that I bought is the stainless insert -- not the panel itself.  They have to be swapped into my panels which are, oddly enough, either the originals or service parts.  They were redyed but in a very competent way. The driver's side has some minor cracking at the door pull but the passenger side is about as good as I have seen.  I will post a picture whenever I get the new inserts installed.

A couple things issues to clarify. If you bought a stainless insert then you bought the wrong part because originally it is aluminum . There are three main components to the door panel . One is the vinyl panel , the second is the brushed aluminum door panel  trim in the center and third is the narrow stainless steel trim strip that installs around the perimeter of the door panel . There are insert appliques that you can buy to cover up the scratched center of the original without removal but they typically look terrible. The Burton complete center trim is made very similar to the original in construction and appearance. I am not familiar with the lower priced Scott Drake version to comment on its quality.

[roddster]

  One other thing about the aluminum panels: Ford made two different types.  There is a curved section at top forward area.  Burton's does not have that style.  Boo-Hoo for us early model owners.

[Shawn]

Is there anyone that currently restores the original brushed aluminum?  I recall maybe Burton did a set for me prior to his reproduction parts being available.  I had all of the door panel inserts and dash pieces done at the same time. 

[JD]

  One other thing about the aluminum panels: Ford made two different types.  There is a curved section at top forward area.  Burton's does not have that style.  Boo-Hoo for us early model owners.

they did for a while, as I got a set for the car I had.  They must be out and not doing both versions?

Reference for the two versions...these images are originals not the Burton parts but they did do both styles.

[Bob Gaines]

Is there anyone that currently restores the original brushed aluminum?  I recall maybe Burton did a set for me prior to his reproduction parts being available.  I had all of the door panel inserts and dash pieces done at the same time.

Probably someone still does but it is labor intensive and in all my years I have yet to see anyone restore a original panel where it looked close to original quality when they where done.  I wouldn't waste the time or money on trying to have some restored unless you have very low expectations. Also the aluminum tabs get weakened and broken from the center trim being taken on and off.  The door trim panels being produced are a God send to enthusiasts and restorers alike. It was extremely hard finding NOS originals back 30 years ago when I found some for my car let alone now with everything already picked over.

[DGSOH]

  One other thing about the aluminum panels: Ford made two different types.  There is a curved section at top forward area.  Burton's does not have that style.  Boo-Hoo for us early model owners.

For the record I was able to get an early style set from Burton's about 3.5 years ago. I have no idea what their offerings might be today.

[2112]

About what time period was the switch from early style to later style made?

[eric lipper]

The part that I bought is the stainless insert -- not the panel itself.  They have to be swapped into my panels which are, oddly enough, either the originals or service parts.  They were redyed but in a very competent way. The driver's side has some minor cracking at the door pull but the passenger side is about as good as I have seen.  I will post a picture whenever I get the new inserts installed.

A couple things issues to clarify. If you bought a stainless insert then you bought the wrong part because originally it is aluminum

Bob, I know I said stainless steel but that was my own stupidity.  I am certain that what I have is actually brushed aluminum and I also believe that what NPD sold as a Burton part is brushed aluminum as well.  When it arrives I will post a picture of what I get.