interior door panels

[ichthos]

Hello,

I need some help on a door panels. I have a 60 Bugeye. At the last car show I went to I saw a couple of interesting modifications I am considering. In both cases, I was not able to get a hold of the owner, so I was not able to get more details.

One change I liked was installing a later year door panel. It still allowed the door pocket/pull to be used, and it still had a space for the door latch handle. Does any one know where I can buy just the door panels and what Sprite year I would ask for? How are the panels attached to the door? Does anyone know where I could just get a pattern to copy and make my own?

The second modification was a panel that goes across the boot area behind the seats. It had a locking door in the center large enough to get access to the spare tire. Has anyone seen this before, and know where I can get the pattern or buy one? How is this attached?

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Kevin

 

[bugimike]

I don't know about the door panels, but as far as the boot goes, I made one for my BE out of a piece of 3/8" plywood ( I may have a pattern for it). I used a locking, push-button glove-box latch from my VW that hooked onto the fitting that is just behind and between the seats. It works great and takes the worry out of leaving things in the car when it is wide open!! I covered the wood with black vinyl for "looks"! The panel fit into the channel across the top of the boot, making it very hard for someone to remove. Not really theft-proof, but a good deterrent!

 

[jlaird]

If you replace door inards with late model ones you loose about four inchs of elbo room.

 

[spritenut]

I used the door panels from a MKII Sprite on my Bugeye doors.
They fit perfect and still leave the door pocket opening.
Same doors from Bug to MKII.
The panels mount with clips and you have to drill holes in the door for the clips.
I made the panels out of 1/8" masonite and covered them in vinyl to match the other panels.

 

[ichthos]

I don't suppose any of you have photographs of the door panels or panel that fits behind the seat?
Kevin

 

[bugimike]

Sorry, no photo of the panel behind the seat at present!