Interior Door Panel Removal

[bfloyd]

Since my car is stuck in the garage waiting on parts, I figured I'd take a stab at replacing the broken exterior door handle on the drivers door. I've got the new handle (PO included it with the purchase of the car), and finally got the driver's side window rolled down today.

Question?? Do I only need to remove the upper trim pad of the door or both the upper and lower?

[Trstno1]

Since my car is stuck in the garage waiting on parts, I figured I'd take a stab at replacing the broken exterior door handle on the drivers door. I've got the new handle (PO included it with the purchase of the car), and finally got the driver's side window rolled down today.

Question?? Do I only need to remove the upper trim pad of the door or both the upper and lower?

You will have to remove both in order to gain access to the two nuts holding on the door handle. It's not too bad, just work slow...the metal edges on the interior of the door are very sharp and has been known to draw blood if you're not careful.

[DMCMW Dave]

No, you only need to remove the upper panel to change the outside door handle. It's all fir trees, no fasteners.

[Trstno1]

No, you only need to remove the upper panel to change the outside door handle. It's all fir trees, no fasteners.

I stand corrected. Thanks Dave!

[Chris 16409]

Since you're talking about removing the upper door panels, I'll insert a plug for my "Magnet Mod". I hated dealing with dumb fir trees every time I wanted to get into my doors. Since my upper door panels are fiberboard they were getting messed up every time I removed them. The fir trees would pull out of the holes. So I glued neodymium magnets to the panels and they come out in less than 5 seconds. I believe Tom Tait has done this too. He can vouch for it!

[PJ Grady Inc.]

This is nothing that a little fiberglass resin and matting wouldn't fix permanently.
Rob


Since you're talking about removing the upper door panels, I'll insert a plug for my "Magnet Mod". I hated dealing with dumb fir trees every time I wanted to get into my doors. Since my upper door panels are fiberboard they were getting messed up every time I removed them. The fir trees would pull out of the holes. So I glued neodymium magnets to the panels and they come out in less than 5 seconds. I believe Tom Tait has done this too. He can vouch for it!

[PJ Grady Inc.]

To remove the upper panel always start at the front corner sitting in the car. Pull up on the leading edge just until you can slide your other hand under the forward window opening to gain more leverage against the clips which when new hold it quite firmly in place. Move rearward until the whole panel releases. If you start at the rear you'll rip out the metal "locator" hook more often than not.

I have a cable tool made so you can face the partially open door while sitting down. Every DMC DIY'er needs one of these. They can be made to any length you desire using some light cable and some hardware store hooks.
Rob

[Rich]

I have a cable tool made so you can face the partially open door while sitting down. Every DMC DIY'er needs one of these. They can be made to any length you desire using some light cable and some hardware store hooks.
Rob

+1

Good of you to share that tool/aid, Rob.

For all of my in-door work one of these is essential. I made mine with a light rope instead of a cable. The bottom end has a loop that is placed over the rear striker pin in the door jamb and the other end has a metal S-hook tied to it and that hooks over the lower edge of the one of the rear apertures in the inner door skin after the upper trim panel is removed. I can side sort of sidesaddle in the driver or passenger seat with my feet outside the car and the door held down at various convenient working heights while I face it with hands free.

[bfloyd]

Got my door hadle replaced today...much easier than I thought it would be. You guys were right about make-up composition of the doors. The outsides are made of fine brushed stainless steel, while the insides are made of 30 year old razor blades! I ended up using a set of plastic interior trim removal tools that were made to pull fir trees out without tearing things up. They worked amazingly well.