Yes, the cardboard (or whatever it is) covering are extremely hard to get for those older cars. I have not gone on the same type of quest as you have but when I am at that point in my resotration will probably fabricate one myself. Yes it is not the purist's way but I will probably be installing speakers in these kick panels anyway. In which case (and in my case) they do not have to be original.

I tend to be a purist in my restoration but when I exchanged my radio at Becker, I ordered a rehabbed Stereo radio instead of the stock mono. The stereo Beckers for my model car did not arrive on the scene until a year later (1971). So I plan to put speakers in both kick panels which I (hope) to get from a dismantler. They will probably need reinforcements (probably fiberglass) to hold the speakers anyway. I am also hoping the local paint or trim shop can match the blue coloring of the interior leather as the original kick panels did. You might also try restoration shops which specialize in your model and model year. They often have several parts refabricated for their restorations and keep stock on hand.

Just my .02.

Peter Kaufman

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'70 280SE Cab. (111)