Serengeti Door Panels by CCOT

[Azrocks]

Hey all,
I needed to replace the door panels on my FJ40 and was looking around for the factory replacements. On the CCOT website I came across the Serengeti door panels which was more what I was looking for. I decided to give them a shot.

My cameras batteries are charging right now but I'll post up some pics when I can.

Impressions:
-The fit and finish on these are great. They use the the original door latch bezel.
- The edges are very smooth. They did a good job cutting these out. No rough edges.
- These will last forever! They look great and in my opinion are a great replacement for the OEM panels, especially in a rig that sees some rough use.
- They are cheaper than OEM panels!
- I've never liked the OEM panels construction. I always thought they were kind of cheesy. These were exactly what I was looking for and was not let down.
- No drilling is required. The panels use all factory mounting locations. If one ever wanted to go back to OEM it wouldn't be a problem.

Anyway, I'll post some pics later today.

 

[mmw68]

thanks for the write up -pictures would be great.

 

[donny paradise]

thanks for the write up -pictures would be great.

X2!

 

[Cruisertime]

X3 I'm interested in these too.

 

[Azrocks]

The pictures I took didn't turn out that great. Here's probably the best one. I'll try to get some more when I have the rig out of the garage.



I was able to buy new panels, new window cranks, new door latch bezels, and new door pulls and I think it was still cheaper than buying the OEM door panels alone and these will last a LOT longer than the originals.

 

[Azrocks]

While I had the panels off i lubed up the window hardware and used some high density foam to quiet the door latch bars. I was amazed at how quiet and smooth the doors are now. I should have chased down those rattles a long time ago! I just need to rebuild the door felts and stuff and my doors should be pretty much silent.

I'm going to install one of Dashmans dash boxes. I'm slowly getting rid of all the "soft" stuff that looks like crap over time.

 

[Hltoppr]

They look Great!

I'd love to see more pics and see where you placed the extra insulation items. I've had my eye on these panels for awhile!

-H-

 

[sparkplug]

Be carefull not to open that door any wider! My garage is full of scooters too. Looks like you have a full cage. You could probably countersink those screws and put screw covers for a cleaner look, not that it looks bad. Just an idea.

 

[Azrocks]

Be carefull not to open that door any wider! My garage is full of scooters too. Looks like you have a full cage. You could probably countersink those screws and put screw covers for a cleaner look, not that it looks bad. Just an idea.

Yeah, I took the latch off so I could open it up for the picture. You have the infection of scooters as well huh? The kids love the cruiser. I have a manafre family cage installed. Works great. I've thought about countersinking the screws but not sure I want to go through the work to do it. Maybe when I get a hundred other things done on this vehicle! Thanks for the replies.

 

[sparkplug]

After I posted I realized you can just put screw covers over the heads without countersinking. They are very cheap. I get them from marine stores like West Marine or Boat Owners Warehouse. Probably cheaper at a non marine part store. Yes, I have a scooter(shin bashing) garage. The sound of "red truck" echoes in my head 24/7 from my 3 year old son. I feel sorry for him. I didn't get the sickness until I was 16.

 

[PScottBx]

Very nice panels, thanks for the pics and write up... not to hijack or change the topic but I ordered the "replacement" panels from CCOT (not the Serengeti ) and didn't realize they were plastic...

[quote: CCOT] FJ40 Door Panels, Sold in Pairs. Made of tough vacuum-molded ABS with leather finish (just like original finish) and built to last a lifetime. No more cut or gouged door panels. Original in every detail and comes complete ready to install with mounting clips. Panel holes are pre-cut for pull strap, window crank and door lever.

This is a quality product.


Fits '75 to '84


Panels available in Black or Grey [/quote]




My bad.... just a heads up to anyone.

Sorry for the :hijack:



Bx

 

[Azrocks]

That's good do know. I didn't realize that either. I guess plastic would last longer than the thin covered OEM stuff. The Seregeti are pretty dang thick aluminum. At least I knew what I was getting! My only concern was the fit and finish and I was pleased on both accounts.

 

[mmw68]

Is the AL painted? Does it have a backing? It would be nice if they where rubber coated on the back side.

 

[Azrocks]

The aluminum is painted. It's got a textured finish. Will show dirt a bit, but also will hide imperfections down the road better as well. The panel is painted on both sides with the same material. There is no rubber backing. I'm going to put sound deadening material throughout my vehicle sometime and will back the panel with sound deadener. There's really no distinction between OEM panels and these sound wise as far as I can tell. There was a big difference between rattles before and after just because I chased them down.

 

[Azrocks]

Well almost a year later and I wanted to give a report on the door panels. LOVE'EM. They do very well as far as not retaining dirt and stuff. The finish has taken some abuse and still looks great!

 

[Texx]

If anyone has very nice (perfect) post 78 door panels and wants a pair of these, I'd be happy to try and trade. (I'd buy you a set of the serengeti's for excellent late model originals).

 

[mophisto]

Those do look nice... Hey, I live in Tucson also and am currently looking for pannels... if yours go missing, it wasn't me =P