Product Condition Grades
Below is a general description of what the criteria is for our product condition grades. These are generalizations that are intended to give you an idea of the condition of the product at a quick glance. Because different parts degrade at different rates, there are variances in what the letters represent, please see the products description for details about the condition of any particular product.
A = Excellent / Above Average
B = Average / Some flaws / Good to Excellent Driver Quality
C = Obvious flaws / Poor to Average Driver Quality
D, E, F = Worse, Worser, Worsest
These reproduction convertible panels are made from ABS plastic, are vacuum-formed, and made to outlast the originals. However, they only come in black and are sold as a pair.
These panels DO NOT have the holes cut in them for the retracting seat belts, so 72 and 73 Cougar owners will need to cut these holes. In addition, you will have to cut the holes for the ashtray and power window switch or manual window crank as well as install the snaps for the top boot. This will of course require that you have your old panels to use as a guide. These panels are not as thick as the originals and if you really scrutinize them you will find the texture is slightly different.
If your original panels are like most, they have been damaged by the sun and now have a chalky or powdery feel to them. Once they have deteriorated to this point there is really nothing that can be done to save them or make paint adhere to them.
*NOTE* The black plastic these are moulded in is glossier than what would come from the factory. To give them a more stock look we suggest using SEM brand vinyl paint, Landau black is the correct color of black that will best match your front door panels. When painting colors than black you should take an unfaded, clean sample to your automotive paint supply store and have them electronically scan your sample and custom mix your paint. This will be a much better color match than selecting a pre-mixed color.