Guys,

I may be trying to get my door panels (73 Charger) back together here and I have a question about putting in the plastic sheeting behind the panels. Do you guys put that back in when you re-do your doors?

My plastic sheeting is long gone as it was torn to heck when I pulled the panels years ago. Should I be worried if I don't make new sheeting or just leave it out and go?

I'm guessing it was there for condensation not rotting out the backs on the interior panels but mine were still pretty bad.

If I do need to replace it, what do you recommend to use as the glue/putty to re-attach to the door? Also does anybody have a picture of this from a 71-74 B-body?

Thanks!

No pictures to offer. I didn't put any back in mine, (70 Satellite) instead I had dynamat in its place. I know it does make it a little quieter, and sometimes louder...

Helps keep dust from finding it's way into the interior compartment too

I'm guessing it was there to protect the interior door panels (which were made of a fiberboard-like material) from getting wet if water came in from above (e.g. rain or car wash).

They help keep water & dirt out, they came on cars with plastic door panels also.

Some heavy mil visqueen plastic with rope caulk and you are all set.

Whatszup? Barry!

Jim

Do you need it on a resto that is going to be a weekend driver? probably not though I'd worry about damaging the door panels when washing the car.

You don't need anything special: I used regular poly sheeting with butyl tape. Cheap and done.


Dave

Just basically used as a vapor barrier. Sheet plastic will work in its place or the original type is available...cr8crshr/Bill

I'd use 6 mil poly vapor barrier. To attach it I'd use "removable" caulk - you can buy that at Home Depot.

Yes put it back on and tuck into the slot at the bottom of door. The rain will run down the window into the door then travel to the back side of door panel then to carpet and rust the floor out. It was put there for a reason from the factory. Get the plastic sealed, front and back glass,then have someone hose it and get inside and watch hor leaks, you'll be glad you did.

Do like some of the other's have said, and put plastic back in, cut it to size, and 3M spray adhesive in the right locations will work just fine.

An even better idea for protecting the doorpanels is to coat them with polyurethane (the hardboard side, that is).

Like i said its to keep the rain- moisture out

yes put them back in for sure, at least.

IMO the plastic helps mostly to reduce air flow into the passenger compartment when the car is going down the road, then all the other benefit's like dust, moisture, sound and more which add up to a quality built car. You can tell also when you close the door.

No, for water
1969 Plymouth service manual page 23-64 body and frame. They are called watershields quote" Refer to figure 16 for sealing areas and applications of watersheilds. The bottom edge of sheild must be inserted into the slots in bottom of inner panels."

Thanks, guys! I guess I will be fab'ing these and putting them back in.

I appreciate the feedback. I will go look for the 6 mi vapor barrier and rope/removable caulk from the hardware store this weekend.

Cheers!

Glad this question was asked.

Now I won't be skipping the plastic sheet either.