Salvaging the Door Biscuit Panels

[Pat Marshall]

My Door Biscuit Panels are great on the outside (the leather side), but have problems on the inside (the cardboard side). The square cut holes, where the clips mount, have deteriorated and won't hold the clips. Photo #1 is the way it should be, Photo #2 is the way my panels are. Not only that, the biscuit panels on my other 2 Marks have the same issues.

I'm wondering if anyone has come up with a solution to make the panels usable? I've seen photos where people have drilled screws to hold the panels on - sure don't want to go there!

Your input will be really appreciated.

Pat

[Barry Wolk]

IMG_1371.jpgIMG_1365.jpg[/attach]IMG_0448.jpg

[Pat Marshall]

Very Good Barry! A few questions -

How thick is the metal (aluminum?) sheeting?
What adhesive (or other method) was used to attach the leather to the metal? The metal to the cardboard?
How were the rectangular holes punched/cut into the metal sheeting.
What did I forget to ask, but should have?

Thanks,

Pat

[jdsnoddy]

How many Mark II's have a ugly screw in this area?

Every Mark that ever had a poor door/ pillar seal which allowed water to leak in. My guess is most of them.

[Barry Wolk]

Very Good Barry! A few questions -

How thick is the metal (aluminum?) sheeting?
What adhesive (or other method) was used to attach the leather to the metal? The metal to the cardboard?
How were the rectangular holes punched/cut into the metal sheeting.
What did I forget to ask, but should have?

Thanks,

Pat

Due to its location I used stainless steel about the thickness of a paper clip. I used stainless because aluminum with steel fasteners will corrode, especially in a damp area. I used 3M trim adhesive and left it clamped overnight. The dog leg seals are the reason these get destroyed. The factory did a very poor job if sealing under the seals which lets everything seep under the seal. They did a lousy job on the hood seal, too. On an original car there were just dabs of sealant, nothing continuous. My machine shop used a punch on the holes, but I've made them with a drill and a file.

[Pat Marshall]

It looks like that will help solve another problem with the door biscuit panels - the forward ends bowing outwards.

SO, I'm going to give that a whirl - I'll have to do at least five of those!

[Barry Wolk]

It looks like that will help solve another problem with the door biscuit panels - the forward ends bowing outwards.

Yes, this one was quite crunched from the leather getting wet and shrinking. I had to trim the metal to get the leather to fold over it.

IMG_1363.jpgIMG_1339.jpg

[Pat Marshall]

I got a steel prototype for the door panel biscuit support from my local laser cutting, metal stamping guy.
Support Prototype.jpg

I'll see if it works for both the right and left doors. If it does I'll have a couple made in stainless steel and see if I can repair two of my biscuit panels like Barry did.

[Pat Marshall]

It lines up with the holes in the door. I have a really beat up biscuit panel, I'll try to use this one on that.

[Barry Wolk]

Did you try the door panel insert fix?