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austin-healey BJ7 inner door panel

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robert_ellison

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I am in process of restoring my bj7 and am stumped with a lack of information re. the interior door panel. I have attempted to slide a panel into the door cavity but am unable to install one of what I think the proper size should be. From photos it looks as if there is a space between outer and inner panel which would only be possible if the inner panel was within the door cavity.Could someone explain clearly:

1) exactly where and how the inner panel is installed.

2) how much of the inner space it actually covers,

3) if it extends to the bottom of the door,

4) anything else pertinent re. installation of this panel

Thank you
Robert.ellison@mchsi.coml
 
Robert,
Yes the BJ7 is very unique in the door panel area as wel as the rear seatback. The door panel does have a seperate center piece that is inset. It pretty much fills the entire void in the door itself. The rear is flush to the outer door panel while the front is inset about 1". This was their attempt at a map pocket. If the panel fits correctly, once the whole thing is put together you can see a portion of the door frame at the front of the inner door panel behind the outer door panel. Unfortunately I do not know of anyone making a replacement panel for this. It is a light aluminum panel with a slight bend in it about 2/3rds of the way down. There is a pressing for the window crank and a tab to hold the panel inset in the front. A good upholstery shop such as Heritage has the patterns for the inset cover and can make new outer panels. Somehow though you need to make the aluminum inner panel.
 

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thank you for your reply. If anyone can do a sketch of the panel and how it is installed that might aid me in it's construction. please indicate the tab indicated at the front as well as how much of the inner panel is covered.
If an attachment cant be included please e it to me: robert.ellison@mchsi.com.
I have yet to understand how it is installed in the interior if it is the same size as the top opening and the angle of insertion limit the overall size.
Robert
 
Robert,
I was mistaken on the location of the tab that holds the panel inwards. It is at the bottom of the panel. You should be able to find a screw hole in your door along the top edge of the lower opening in the inner door frame. If I remember it is in the front third of the length of the opening. The aluminum panel was completely covered with the upholstery. The slight bend in the panel was in the lower portion of the panel. The panel itself is about the same size of the opening top to bottom but it is silightly longer than the opening to go forward to the inner door frame and to the rear to hold it outside the opening tight against the outer panel.

Hope that helps.
Steve
 
Steve,

Thanks for your reply. If there is any possibility of your posting or e-mailing a sketch of the panel it would help greatly in fabricating one.

I am confused re. your description in these areas:

1) If the panel is about the same size or slightly larger than the opening top to bottom what point would it serve? If it is a map pocket
it would seem that it would be lower than the bottom of the opening sufficient to place a map, unless the map is placed forward of the front of the opening.

2) approximately how far beyond the rear opening does the panel go?

3) does it slip into the inner door through the window opening in the top of the door?

4) Is the tab on the actual panel?

5) At how many points is the panel attached and where?

If you cannot post or e mail a sketch, please mail one:

Robert Ellison
610 East 4th st. suite 54,
waterloo, iowa 50703

as it would be much easier to understand a sketch. I will then post it in this thread so others might have reference to it, and when I have constructed the panel, will also post a construction plan.

Robert
 
I received this reply from Steve which moves me a little closer to a solution. When I have finally devised a plan for fabrication out of all this information I will post it here so there will be one less mystery to solve re. Healeys:

Robert

1) If the panel is about the same size or slightly larger than the
opening  top to bottom what point would it serve? If it is a map
pocket? It would seem that it would be lower than the bottom of the opening
sufficient to place a map, unless the map is placed forward of the
front of the opening.

Answer:Somewhat correct in that assumption.  It is not really all that useful.  Probably why they did away with it.  The tab that holds the panel into the opening is on the bottom of the panel and the panel itself goes about an inch or two below the opening in the door.

2) approximately how far beyond the rear opening does the panel go?

Answer: Only enough to keep it in place 1/2 to 1 inch.  This is on the outside of the door between it and the outer door panel.

3) does it slip into the inner door through the window opening in
the top of the door?

Answer: No, it goes in from the passenger compartment direction

4) Is the tab on the actual panel?

Answer:Yes

5) At how many points is the panel attached and where?

Answer:Only the tab in question above.  Other than that it is kept in place by pressure at the rear, its shape and the window crank handle.

Steve
 
Robert -

Please do post your fabrication design once you have it completed. Thanks.
 
Steve also gave me this company in england:
https://www.austin-healey-trim.co.uk/
that lists the panels, in aluminum. There is also a picture of the inner panel. I'm not sure yet whether the inner panel is available seperately as it is shown with the outer panel as well. I have sent an e to them enquiring and will post results.

Robert
 
I too am restoring an original BJ7. Unfortunately I didn't take a lot of door trim photo's, however, I will attach the one I have. Sorry, couldn't attach a photo. I'll send you an email with the photo. I do remember the inner door panels were of aluminum and were difficult to remove without bending them, which I did have to do. They bent easily and I'm sure will be easy enough to replace by the same procedure. On page 172 of "Authentic Restoration Guide" (Gary Anderson and Roger Moment authors) they mention the BJ7 door trim. "To cover the window winding mechanism, a second inner panel was added to cover the large opening. This panel was covered with vinyl, styled with four rows of horizontal tuck-stitching in thread matching the vinyl color. The center panel was secured in such a way that there was a narrow opening at the bottom between the inner and outer panel that allowed a map to tucked in." Hope this helps.
 
Pictures of our BJ7 at : https://calabashcattery.com (scroll to the bottm for a link)
I think some show the interior door panels. Hope that might help.

The car was a Gold Level Concours Committee winner in 2005.
Not driven much since, still wanting to do some more shows with AACA and some others.
 
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