I want to replace the door panel backings for my 69 XR7. I see that Johns Cougar and WCCC offer panels. Johns panels are made with ABS plastic and WCCC appears to be made with another softer material? Can you follow WCCC video on door panel backing installation using Johns product or do you have to use different method to attach. Both seem like quality products, but I’m looking to see what backing is the easiest way to go.
Jeff
The WCCC ones are a pressed wood material loke the oeiginal. Knockouts are there for all options.
I followed the WCCC video. The one exception was not trimming down the staples. Messy & unnecessary using out of the box short staples.
I also painted the steel top sections. And re-attached using a vise.
The abs sounds nice but the attachment to the steel I think would require a different method.
Cost differential?
I used the backer boards sold by WCCC and they worked great. Very similar to the original material used but seems to be more durable. They are die cut and fit perfectly. Just follow the WCCC tutorial video and you will be golden.
Ditto on SuperChicken’s response, Just make sure you have a big enough vice and that the pointed metal goes all the way into the wood.
Are you replacing the backboards because the clips are torn out or the boards are warped? You can fix torn out backboards with dust from sanding the backboards and super glue. Way easier.
to help w/ this issue I have used a thin piece of steel ( like strapping steel) slide into the holes, then the clip has reinforcement to hold onto. There 2 ideas work wonders & take little time.
Dont forget to do the weatherstripping while you are at it, no use going thru the pain twice. Make sure you get the right kit. For some reason Ford made the weatherstripping different for every version of the Cougar
The door backings are pretty warped especially the bottom. I’m noticing a trend on which board to use. Thank you to all who responded
I have a convertible and chose to use the ABS panels from John for increased water resistance. They fit well and installed easily.
I’m curious the WCCC shows you have to bend tabs up on the metal trim piece to insert into the backing to help hold into place. The ABS plastic I would think would be to solid to pernitrate is this case or did you use another method?
The pair I bought had the metal stampings riveted to the ABS sheet by John.
Thanks again Bill! I love the idea of the banding straps, I just didn’t feel like taking the run to Lowes to snag some from their lumber department; bet I will next time I’m there! In lieu thereof (I had been thinking about popsicle sticks - too thick, or balsa wood - too thin) I had some fragments of 2x6 steel stud laying around and cut myself some slips 5/16" x 3/4" and slid them inside the panel with some E6000 sealer, then put a pinch clamp on each one. They aren’t “tried & true” yet, but I like the looks!
