1st gen door panel replacements don't fully match?

[Xandor]

I went to order door panel replacements but noticed they dont look like they fully match.

It looks like every one is see ends 1 inch over the top door handle. That doesnt look like it would match originals.

Am i missing something here?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Your truck is a fancy truck.

Us peons with lower trims have the smaller door panels. I think the new aftermarket ones are solid plastic rather than cardboard wrapped in very thin vinyl and hopes.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Your truck is a fancy truck.

Us peons with lower trims have the smaller door panels. I think the new aftermarket ones are solid plastic rather than cardboard wrapped in very thin vinyl and hopes.

I dont think ive seen replacements for the fancy panels either

 

[Jim Oaks]

I went to order door panel replacements but noticed they dont look like they fully match.

It looks like every one is see ends 1 inch over the top door handle. That doesnt look like it would match originals.

Am i missing something here?

The one on the left looks like the door panel for a 1984-1988 Ford Bronco II and the plain looking panel is for a 1983-1988 Gen I Ford Ranger.

Bronco II:

 

[Jim Oaks]

I had to go look at brochures for the Gen I Rangers. I don't recall seeing that panel on one, but they were definitely on the XLT, XLS and XLT models (and apparently the GT).

 

[JoshT]

Yep, what they sell now is a poor imitation of the original standard panels. I'd go custom before I bought those things.

What you have that goes all the way up to the window is higher trim option. I first saw them in pictures online. Bought a set of red one years ago that I was going to have reupholstered locally to match my blue interior truck. I like resting my arm on the window sill and it gets hot, so I figured they would be an improvement. Not sure what happened to that set, haven't seen them in a while. The 85 I bought is a factory bucket seat and center console, standard cab, XLT and it came with the fancy panels. Someday I might get around to restoring. If not the panels will be saved for someone else that needs them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I dont think ive seen replacements for the fancy panels either

They would be quite a thing to repoduce. I had a set out of a Eddie Bauer BII I was going to put in my truck for a bit. The structure is metal with the fabric and whatnot over the top. Inner window scraper is part of the door panel and that was my big turnoff. I had just put new scrapers in my doors, I eventually found someone who was redoing a Eddie Bauer and wanted nicer ones and sent them down the road.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I had to go look at brochures for the Gen I Rangers. I don't recall seeing that panel on one, but they were definitely on the XLT, XLS and XLT models (and apparently the GT).

It would probably be later on for the first gen Rangers. Without paying attention and really tracking it they seem more common in the 87-88 era than the earlier ones.

 

[Xandor]

It doesn't bother me the door panel is more plain. I just want one that goes all the way to the top of the door. Really trying to avoid customer to keep things as original as possible.

Figured out the crazy seats with the knob on the side and the electric lumbar must have come out of an STX. Having trouble finding that upholstery too...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It doesn't bother me the door panel is more plain. I just want one that goes all the way to the top of the door. Really trying to avoid customer to keep things as original as possible.

Figured out the crazy seats with the knob on the side and the electric lumbar must have come out of an STX. Having trouble finding that upholstery too...

Either having yours restored or finding nice used are unfortunately your only options.

Even the repop smaller ones are not as nice as originals.