Okay, I am back now with an answer from yesterday meeting regarding this thread. I am a member associated of IAEI and attend the monthly meetings. EI - BTW I highly his opinion, he's IAEI instructor - told me flat out that the old panels cannot be use as a Junction boxes and see UL White book QCIT. That we and many of the forum are misinterpreting 312.8, it doesn't stated "empty enclosures" (sorry for my idiomatic expression, you know English is my second language). Here in this area, he can approve a old panel as a J-box if it is recessed in old plaster, masonry or in any area that he will consider will cause a "big mess", but not in wallboard, etc., BUT the old cover cannot be used, even if it is screwed shut. I will need a new "Listed" cover and will not pass inspection with the old cover.
The other contractors in the meeting questioned this position. I really would like opinions from EI. I think most of us used, using and will use those panels as J-boxes. If there anything we can do? Maybe a proposal for 2011?