GTA molded door panels

[TTOP350]

What years did they start (87) and end??

[86TA355SR]

I was about to make a new thread and saw this.

Today I noticed the difference in my 91 GTA and 88 GTA door panels. The more I looked at them, the more I noticed how different they are. I looked in the "GTA Authentication" link here and there is nothing about the door panels.

The black one is a 91 GTA, the grey one is an 88.

Here is a shot of the different panels:


The black one looks like the base model Trans Am door panels. But, it has the cup holder. The grey one has the molded panel with 'built in' arm rest and has a map pocket.




What's the deal? I have an 89 GTA that has the same style as the 88. Which leads me to think they changed the panels in 90 or 91. Thoughts?

[TTOP350]

I'm not 100% sure but I think they went back to flat panels in 90 with SD motors and the cup holders? I'm not a hard core GTA guy, Anyone ?

[Gottabekidding]

They were called "Deluxe Door Panels"

In 1987 the Door panels came on all Firebirds (Base, Formula, GTA or T/A)
with the Custom interior and the Deluxe (Ultima) interior.
Since in 1987 the door panels were part of the Custom interior and the
Custom interior was available on the Firebird and Formula
that would be the first and only year that you could get it on those models.

In 1988 & 1989 they were only available on the Trans Am and GTA only.

Not sure about 1990, but sure 91-92 were the flat type.

[86TA355SR]

Thanks.

Here's something I discovered yesterday...the door panel mounting brackets on the doors are different. The mounting backet on the deluxe door is different than the flat panel door. The mounting brackets are riveted to the door. Just FYI in case you are looking for door replacements.

Mine were attached with rivets. Could be drilled out if you found you had the wrong one.

[TTOP350]

I did know that about the mounting brackets and threw in a used set of them and used arm rests with the NOS door panels I just sold.

So 1990 is the year we need to know which Door panels was used with GTAs.

[86TA355SR]

Originally Posted by TTOP350

...So 1990 is the year we need to know which Door panels was used with GTAs.

Exactly, anyone with a 90 GTA ? We need confirmation...

[86TA355SR]

Originally Posted by TTOP350

I did know that about the mounting brackets and threw in a used set of them and used arm rests with the NOS door panels I just sold.

So 1990 is the year we need to know which Door panels was used with GTAs.

I saw a nice 90 GTA today at TA Nats and talked with the original owner. It has the flat style panels like my 91 has. Calling it case closed in my book and 90 is the year they changed.

[djmarch]

Wished the 89 had the cup holders...What was GM thinking....Evidentally they weren't. I'm sure this topic beens covered before, but I haven't found or like any aftermarket cup holder that will work in mine.

[TTOP350]

Originally Posted by djmarch

Wished the 89 had the cup holders...What was GM thinking....Evidentally they weren't. I'm sure this topic beens covered before, but I haven't found or like any aftermarket cup holder that will work in mine.

Swap in the 90-92 door panels hardware and cup holders, enjoy.

That's what I did.

[FrankieRider2]

Yes, 1990 is the changeover year for the door panels and the slightly restyled dash accessory switches. 1990 is unique in that it is the only year to have the updated interior coupled with the original GTA appearance.

[Kevs87ta]

Originally Posted by FrankieRider2

Yes, 1990 is the changeover year for the door panels and the slightly restyled dash accessory switches. 1990 is unique in that it is the only year to have the updated interior coupled with the original GTA appearance.

You are spot on...the 1990 GTA was a transition year for the GTA...it also came with the auto headlights...pain in the butt , they are...

[Fourthkid]

Actually the 1987 door panels were different than the panel you show for 1988. The 1987 door panel did not have a map pocket.

[86TA355SR]

Post a pic, I am curious!

[TTOP350]

Originally Posted by Fourthkid

Actually the 1987 door panels were different than the panel you show for 1988. The 1987 door panel did not have a map pocket.

Which are the NOS door panels I had sold awhile back.

[FrankieRider2]

I have seen '87s with and without the door pockets....have never seen any documentation noting the reason for the difference.