The door panels in my 240z were cut up to install some speakers. I have always liked the look of the 280z door panels witht he pleats in them and the more useable handles as arm rests. I know the handles would need mounting hardware welded to the inside of the door but I am curious would the door panels work with little or no modification? Anyone ever try this?

If the door panels are from a 77 or 78, you probably don't want to waste your time. I know they have a different placement for the lock than the 74-76 panels. The 74-76 panels seem to be rather rare, too. It took me a while to find panels in good shape.

I never have held up the 74-76 panels to the 73 to see if they would line up, though.

74.5 260 and up to 76 280 door panels "fit" with the mentioned cavets for arm rest mounting. Also the mounting holes in the harboard for the retainer clips are meant for the round plastic pop in style rather than the steel ones, so it difficult to get the steel ones, which press over one edge of the hole is specific orientation to line up correctly, but it can work. The over all dimensions are identical.

As mentioned, stay AWAY from the later 77-78 panels. They have different lock button hole location on the top as you know, and the rear edge angle is quite different, so they don't fit worth crap. The chrome trim strips are different, so do both sides if you can.

There's a pair for sale over on hybrid right now. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/107494-door-panels-19745-1976-style-for-260z-280z/

Be quick about getting them if you're serious!!!!

Jim