Door panels

[TheStoot]

So I've been wondering, Are the Lower door panels that have the integrated pull strap in them the same as the panels without the strap? I have the older version where the strap is wrapped around the pull handle but I would like someday to swap them for panels that have the integrated strap. If they are compatible, does anyone have a set for the drivers and passenger sides with integrated handles in gray?

[CFI]

So I've been wondering, Are the Lower door panels that have the integrated pull strap in them the same as the panels without the strap? I have the older version where the strap is wrapped around the pull handle but I would like someday to swap them for panels that have the integrated strap. If they are compatible, does anyone have a set for the drivers and passenger sides with integrated handles in gray?

They are the same. Either style will work on any car.

[Helirich]

Anybody got a pic of the panel with the integrated strap?

[dn010]

They are the same. Either style will work on any car.

This is incorrect in a way. While either panel will fit the car, they're not the same. The early lower panels have the strap looped around the handle. The later panels have a slot for the strap in the arm rest.



Anybody got a pic of the panel with the integrated strap?

google.com --> "delorean door strap" --> images

[TheStoot]

Yea I emant the same as in they will both bolt up the same. I got the style that loops around, however I'd like to get a gray set of integrated if anyone has any they are selling

[Helirich]

I notice the "in door" strap is back from the handle. I wonder why they didn't put the handle back there. Being so far forward is half the problem.

66256

[dn010]

I would guess the handle is placed where it is so you close the door evenly and aligned instead of from one side where it may be misaligned, like trying to close the door from the outside by pushing down on the mirror.

[CFI]

This is incorrect in a way. While either panel will fit the car, they're not the same. The early lower panels have the strap looped around the handle. The later panels have a slot for the strap in the arm rest.


You misunderstood me. I meant the same as in “will fit on the car the same way.” That’s why I said either style will work. :)

[artisticent]

I have an 83 that has the strap exit the upper door panel. I needed a replacement which did not have the hole. But it was as simple as cutting the slot for the plastic piece after I had them recovered with Nappa Leather. I also had new straps made as well and the handles covered. Im not a fan of straps but when you're all buckled in, its much nicer to reach it than the strap wrapped around the handle. Looks cleaner too. If I had an earlier delorean, I would update the strap through the panel right away. 66284

[Helirich]

I have an 83 that has the strap exit the upper door panel. I needed a replacement which did not have the hole. But it was as simple as cutting the slot for the plastic piece after I had them recovered with Nappa Leather. I also had new straps made as well and the handles covered. Im not a fan of straps but when you're all buckled in, its much nicer to reach it than the strap wrapped around the handle. Looks cleaner too. If I had an earlier delorean, I would update the strap through the panel right away. 66284

How are you securing it inside the door? Do all doors have a place to secure the strap inside? I was wondering if the strap will be trying to deform the panel.

[artisticent]

How are you securing it inside the door? Do all doors have a place to secure the strap inside? I was wondering if the strap will be trying to deform the panel.

It is secured by a bolt that goes through it and in to the door itself. There is no strain on the door panel itself.

[Patrick C]

I would guess the handle is placed where it is so you close the door evenly and aligned instead of from one side where it may be misaligned, like trying to close the door from the outside by pushing down on the mirror.

The later style integrated door pull strap places it in the center of the hinges and makes the door shut much nicer. Using the handle makes the door slightly twist and fight you on the way down.

I added the integrated door pull straps into my early 81 for this reason.

[TheStoot]

Is the mounting spot for the bolt already in there or did you have to modify it somehow to bolt it in? Do you have any pics of the install by chance?

[dmcman73]

Is the mounting spot for the bolt already in there or did you have to modify it somehow to bolt it in? Do you have any pics of the install by chance?

This link may help. It has pictures of how it is installed and also Dave posted a PDF on how to convert earlier doors to the integrated pull strap ones. He does note that there is an error in the PDF stating that the screws are 3mm and not 4mm.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?11747-Door-Strap-Replacement-HELP

[Helirich]

This link may help. It has pictures of how it is installed and also Dave posted a PDF on how to convert earlier doors to the integrated pull strap ones. He does note that there is an error in the PDF stating that the screws are 3mm and not 4mm.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?11747-Door-Strap-Replacement-HELP

Good link! I guess this is in my future. Is the strap any differnt? (Besides the ring) Can I just cut off the ring and it will work or does it require a longer strap?