Corvette C3 Door panels
1968 - 1969: Early C3 Door Panels
In 1968, the Corvette debuted with two different types of door panels, depending on the production date of the car. All Corvettes produced before mid-March 1968 did not have an integrated door pull-in the door panels. Cars assembled after mid-March 1968 received an updated design where the door pull was integrated into the panel itself.
The 1969 model year saw minimal changes to the door panel design. The most notable updates were the introduction of a separate, vertically mounted door pull and a new vinyl insert, covered with the same vinyl as used in the seats.
1970 - 1977: Evolution of Custom and Standard Interiors
As the C3 Corvette continued to evolve, so did its interior options. Starting in 1970, Chevrolet introduced a Custom Interior package that offered a more luxurious experience compared to the standard trim, including leather seats, woodgrain accents, and cut-pile carpeting.
Door panels with the Custom Interior from 1970 to 1976 included cut-pile carpeting on the lower section, adding a plush, upscale feel. The upper portion of the panel was adorned with a woodgrain veneer insert, framed by a chrome-plated bezel.
In contrast, the standard interior door panels from 1970 to 1976 were much simpler. They lacked the trim and luxurious materials found in the Custom Interior package, being plain and focusing on functionality rather than aesthetics.
By 1977, the Custom Interior package was no longer available. Instead, leather seats became standard across all Corvette models, and only one door panel design was offered. The new design featured a satin-black metal insert, replacing the woodgrain veneer from the previous year.
1978 - 1982: A New Look
In 1978, the Corvette's door panels were updated to align with the broader interior changes of that year. The new design featured panels made from vinyl, with carpet extending along the bottom portion. For Corvettes equipped with cloth seats, the area above the armrest incorporated a matching cloth insert, creating a cohesive look that harmonized with the seat material. This design continued throughout the rest of the C3 generation, from 1978 to 1982.
In the 1982 model year, the final year of the C3 generation, Chevrolet introduced the Corvette Collector’s Edition. This special edition featured distinctive upgrades, including door panels covered in leather—a departure from the standard vinyl used in earlier years. The Collector's Edition door panels were further distinguished by four sewn-on straps of decorative leather, adding a touch of luxury and exclusivity.
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General information:
- Corvette C3 years
- Corvette Specs, Colors, etc. by year:
1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 - Is the Corvette C3 always a Stingray?
- Corvette C3 charts
- Corvette C3 books
- Mako Shark II
- Corvette L88
- Greenwood Corvettes
- Reader's Wheels: Corvette 1968
- Restomod Corvette C3s
- Corvette C3 Buyer's Checklist
Technical:
- Corvette C3 & Rochester Quadrajet
- Corvette C3 engines
- Corvette C3 transmissions
- Corvette C3 RPM calculator
- Corvette C3 emission systems
- Corvette C3 birdcage and rust
- Number matching and RPO
- Corvette C3 oils
Interior and Exterior Features:
- Corvette C3 Special Editions
- Corvette C3 cockpit / gauges
- Corvette C3 seats / seatbelts
- Corvette C3 emblems
- Corvette C3 side pipes (1969)
- Corvette C3 wheels
- Corvette C3 luggage racks
- Roof Options of the Corvette C3
