Rear 1/4 panels same all years?

[T25boy71]

So I’m going to pick up some nos panels for my van which is a 1988 panel van converted to a camper, 
the panel in question is the near side rear 1/4 panel complete with door slide rail part number 252809171
originally the owner got this for his 1979 panel van
 The slide rail is different and it is missing the indentation where the sliding door catches is.
can this work on my 88 van with some modifications ? The part number is the same as Brickwerks 
any ideas 
 

[Robsey]

If it is an early panel, then the slide rail is a different shape / profile to the later one.

I am actually looking for one of these, because they no longer sell the panel with the slide rail.
At least not the early one...

You could drill out the spot welds and remove the slide rail, and then make up your own slide rail to the later profile.

[T25boy71]

If it is an early panel, then the slide rail is a different shape / profile to the later one.

I am actually looking for one of these, because they no longer sell the panel with the slide rail.
At least not the early one...

You could drill out the sp.

Can I not modify my late door hinge with an early slide on the end instead of the late roller
also this is different the 
 

[multisi]

Its not the same part number as the ones Brickwerks stock , they have the later ones with letters after the number for the 85 model year with the inward recess for the later slide rail.  I would remove the early rail and sell it, you already have a keen buyer. then modify the recess and fit your later slide rail.

[Robsey]

You will find that almost every part of the late door and slide mechanisms are different to the early slide door version.
Even the lock mechanisms, rubber bump stops and more.

The rail covers are the same for both early and late vans.
Same with the cover location rail, and the seal strip.