39 Door Panel, Handle & Escutcheons ???

[39 STD]

I've made new door panels out of 1/8" masonite, which is the same thickness as the original panel. I have new inside cranks/handles, escutcheons & springs. No matter how I try to assemble, spring-panel-escutcheon-handle or panel-spring-escutcheon-handle, there's about a 3/8" gap once the handle pins are installed. What's the correct way??

 

[felix37]

Are the panels plain or do they have the upholstery on them? If they are un upholstered, that might be the reason for the extra space?

 

[barryfromvictoria]

doesn`t the spring go behind the door panel to hold tension on the escutcheon?

 

[Dak Rat]

Yes, spring behind panel--first thing to go on when assembling.

 

[jakesbackyard]

Spring behind panel with the large diameter end to the panel. Masonite might be too hard and not able to flex outward from the spring pressure. Fiberboard or Luan are usually used for trim panels.

 

[39 STD]

Thanks to all replies. The panels are not made of "Masonite" but a 1/8" fiberboard. I used the term "Masonite" incorrectly. It is a fiberboard.
Anyway, I went out to the shop this morning & put the spring on, small side first, then the panel. the escutcheons, handle & pin. Put the door glass garnish moulding on and let it set for awhile. After about 3 hours of our current heat & humidity the panel formed to shape. No gaps