doors for t-top cars

[aidanfancystang]

I bough lower skins for my capri but when I removed the lower section I noticed the frame has a lot of rust as well, should I just get new doors and can the hatchback doors be modified to fit a t-top car? or is that a total wast of time?

[83ttop]

I converted hatch doors for my 83. Measure twice, cut once(you don't get a second chance). Put the glass in and rivet on the supports...your done.

[83 V8 RS T's]

I converted hatch doors for my 83. Measure twice, cut once(you don't get a second chance). Put the glass in and rivet on the supports...your done.

Just like that! My doors are from a 88 GT hard top. Can't tell the difference till you remove the door panel?
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii230/83V8RSTs/100_1018.jpg

[churchy1]

My eyes, that thing is bright!!!!!

[aidanfancystang]

I converted hatch doors for my 83. Measure twice, cut once(you don't get a second chance). Put the glass in and rivet on the supports...your done.

hey your only a half hour away from me you should come over and show me how!!

[peicaprilover]

hmm, i was wondering the same thing. i think i'll convert a couple doors instead of fixing the ones on mine. seems easier somehow....possibly :)

[my83horse]

Will the door panels and everything work with the newer doors. I know the sheetmetal behind the door is totally different. Also if you use a newer door that has power windows can the door be compatible with old manual window guts ?

[83 V8 RS T's]

The newer doors have all mounting holes from the original stamping,the only difference is that they have more holes in them and slots because of the interior changes also the door speaker. The only hole that is missing is the at the speaker location.It's easy to find because like I said the stamping never changed.There is a indent in that area.Center punch and drill is all you need.Then your 86 and earlier panels will fit.
The most IMPORTANT part to keep from a 87+ door if you swap all your hardware from your 86 and earlier doors is the front inner run channel bracket.Again the 87+ door speaker opening in the door is the problem. The lower bolt of the run channel bracket on the 86 and earlier ends up in the middle of the speaker hole on 87+ doors.Power window and manual window door regulators are the same,mounting holes are all there no matter which way you go.I have 86 power window regulators in the 88 doors. All it took was drilling out the rivets and swap it over.I never seen 90+ doors on the inside so I'm not sure if those are different than 87,88,89 doors?GOOD LUCK!

[83 V8 RS T's]

Almost forgot.If you use hard top doors and cut the frame off them they become extemely flexible. On your T-top doors you must drill the spot welds on the reinforcement panel along the top edge of the inner part of the door and tack weld it to your new door. Heavy duty rivets will work as well.This part is the pain when converting over.Some don't bother with it,but if you do your doors will be more solid!!!

[my83horse]

Actually I had to remove the braces from my drivers to a new drivers. R and I the braces are time comsuming and a pain in the A$$.

[merk]

I had to do this also on my black capri . Easiest way to do it is to take your trim piece from your t-top door and use it as a template on where to cut the door frame

[DocTheAce]

How about using a convertible door?

[4eyed4life]

I have a set of 84 GT t-top doors in yellow, sittin in my shed, just hangin out...

[83 V8 RS T's]

The big issue for some is cost! Original T-top and convertible doors here in central Canada go for $500.00 - $700.00 and that's each. I searched for two years and every time a good deal came around the doors ended up worse than the ones I had.
I found a rust free 88 GT hardtop that was totaled minus the doors (lucky for me)asked the guy how much? He said make an offer. I said $ 175.00 for the pair.HE said SOLD. Cut the frames off,swapped a few parts from my original rusted 83 doors and added power windows from a 86 door. I figured best way to go and those guys wanting $500-700 can keep there very RARE DOORS as they put it.