Door card & handle installation - MGB bezels

[stugilmour]

I am in the process of installing new door cards from Aldridge trimming. I have had the original cards on and off the car numerous times. I find the most difficult part is wrestling with the interior handle rod attachment behind the hanging door card and then getting three handle mounting screws properly in place with spire nuts.

I understand MGB handles mount a bit different, using plastic bezels to surround the handle. The handle is fully attached, connected, adjusted, and function tested before the door card is offered up. The plastic bezels are then inserted on top of the door card upholstery but behind the door handle lip. I think early Esprits may have used a similar method.

I have bought the bezels from Ray at RD and thinking of giving this a try.

Has anyone else done this? Perhaps later Plus 2 versions used this method? Did it work? Tricks & tips appreciated. I don’t see the bezels referenced in my Plus 2 parts manual.

Here is a link to a video that shows the MGB door card removal. Looks a ton easier than my experience on the Plus 2.

https://youtu.be/g8aaW8W77Oo?si=W1Gz6iOtE2kNKJCu

[elanman999]

That's how I remove the door card on my Elan. Don't know if it's standard as it was like it when I got it.
A couple of points are that it's best to remove all the burrs and make sure all the edges of the plastic surround are smooth so that they slide on the door card. You may also have to pack the handle out from the door to make enough space for the surround to fit over the door card.
Have fun
Cheers
John.

[stugilmour]

Thanks. That is very encouraging. Yes, I was thinking packing washers might just do the trick.

The back of the new door panel may be reasonably easy to modify by releasing a bit of contact cement and the odd staple.

Everything manual is working correctly, just need a final adjustment to get one of non-stock door lock actuators to reliably lock the passenger door.

Good point on the vinyl and burrs. The Plus 2 door cards have a significant curvature and textured vinyl right where the bezels need to be inserted.

I think this is worth a shot. Will report back on progress, although I may chicken out and try the conventional method first. That said, if I was making new door cards from scratch at home I would give this method a try.

Thanks again.

Stu

[Richardsona39]

I'm planning on doing a door card redo at some point, so look forward to hearing how you get on Stu