Topic: Kick Panels for a '65

[midlife]

I have also had good success putting the screws in the A-pillar backwards (points pointing towards the tranny hump) and then pressing the kick panel into the screw points.

[jwc66k]

I used the old panel as a pattern.
Jim

[Skyway65]

To clear up all this confusion about what is and is not available I spoke with someone at Scott Drake this morning.

They have 2 types of kick panels available. The older style with the molded in color.  These are not as good as the new improved style.  The new improved style is available in only white or black but have better contours, grain and fit. 

So it is basically a trade off.  Do you want to paint the better ones to match, or, do you want the older style that won't fit or look quite as nice but you don't have to paint them.  That's the way the Scott Drake rep explained it to me.

[C5ZZKGT]

Gary, I think you should jump on these!!! (NOT mine) I think they must be originals (possibly NOS) seller says they have been on his shelf for 20 years......I don't think anyone was reproducing them 20 years ago....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-1965-MUSTANG-CONVERTIBLE-KICK-PANELS-BRIGHT-RED-NEW-C5ZZ-76023445DR-/270864671079?hash=item3f10cae167&item=270864671079&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

[CharlesTurner]

Pretty sure kick panels were being reproduced in the early to mid 80's.   All the NOS ones I've ever seen had pre-made holes with reinforcements in the back.  My guess is those are probably hard plastic repro's.

[CharlesTurner]

To clear up all this confusion about what is and is not available I spoke with someone at Scott Drake this morning.

They have 2 types of kick panels available. The older style with the molded in color.  These are not as good as the new improved style.  The new improved style is available in only white or black but have better contours, grain and fit. 

So it is basically a trade off.  Do you want to paint the better ones to match, or, do you want the older style that won't fit or look quite as nice but you don't have to paint them.  That's the way the Scott Drake rep explained it to me.

If your originals are even remotely useable, try to fix the cracks and if you have to, apply a light coat of paint/dye.

I've been searching for an NOS or good original pair of white 65-6 convertible kick panels.  They are very difficult to find.

[Skyway65]

Thanks for the feedback guys. 

I've been watching that pair on eBay  I'm guessing they are just some old repros that have been sitting around awhile--I have some of those already! 

And Charles, one of my originals (the one in the photo at the top of this thread) has a few minor cracks around the edges, probably fixable with some glue/matting or something on the back.  The other original has a 1/2" hole around one of the screw holes.  So, for that one it's either Scott Drake, or I need to check my other car to see if I can borrow from it--it's stored a little ways away and I haven't checked it yet.

[C5ZZKGT]

Gary, Have you contacted Bob Perkins to see if he has any NOS ones?

[Skyway65]

Gary, Have you contacted Bob Perkins to see if he has any NOS ones?

I'm afraid of what he might charge me!  

(although not a bad idea)

[EJackson]

Gary,

I pulled my original kick panels out of storage to take a look at them. They are from my 65 Dearborn convertible with the 16A build date.

Was wondering why they didn't look like yours on the top edge; turns out that mine appear to have been cut at the top with a blade and straightedge. Not really clear from the picture but there are subtle gouges, flashing and an irregular edge (not perfectly straight). Never noticed it before.

Makes me wonder if they were supposed to be trimmed as part of the finishing process, and yours never were. If so, that makes them interesting if not rare, and something that wouldn't be duplicated by a reproduction.

Can anyone else confirm?

Ed.

[C5ZZ]

Gary,

I pulled my original kick panels out of storage to take a look at them. They are from my 65 Dearborn convertible with the 16A build date.

Was wondering why they didn't look like yours on the top edge; turns out that mine appear to have been cut at the top with a blade and straightedge. Not really clear from the picture but there are subtle gouges, flashing and an irregular edge (not perfectly straight). Never noticed it before.

Makes me wonder if they were supposed to be trimmed as part of the finishing process, and yours never were. If so, that makes them interesting if not rare, and something that wouldn't be duplicated by a reproduction.

Can anyone else confirm?

Ed.

Might have just been a running change during production or a different supplier,
just a guess, correct me if I'm wrong.

[Brant]

Gary, I think you should jump on these!!! (NOT mine) I think they must be originals (possibly NOS) seller says they have been on his shelf for 20 years......I don't think anyone was reproducing them 20 years ago....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-1965-MUSTANG-CONVERTIBLE-KICK-PANELS-BRIGHT-RED-NEW-C5ZZ-76023445DR-/270864671079?hash=item3f10cae167&item=270864671079&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

I never like to comment on someone's eBay auction, but those kick panels are definitely reproductions.

BTW, reproduction kick panels have been around for probably almost 30 years, and there have been many manufacturers over the years.

[Brant]

There are definitely differences in the top cut out part of kick panels as shown in Gary's pictures.  This is a production (early vs. late) type of change.

Drake chose to make the later (late '65 (?)-all 66) ones.  As posted in another thread, the Drake ones are currently available in Black and White for both 65-66 Coupe/FB's and Convertibles.