How do I remove the door panels?

[grinders_18]

I was told by two shops that there are centrain tools required to removing the door panels. Before I remove the driver's side panel, I'd like to know what exactly are the tools and steps to removing and reinstalling the panel? This can be a step-by-step instructional for many future owners and guests.

[R Dubya]

on this car I woudn't think you'd need any special tools, but I've never done it, so I don't know 100%.  There are tools for removing manual window cranks, but mostly they always snap down into place,  and usually a set of screws holding the edges of the panel tight to the door frame, the hardest part will likely be getting the clips off the window seal, and possibly the electrical connectors will cause some grief. 

I assume you are talking about the interior trim panel right? 

Why are you removing? 

[TGP Nick]

Very good question, Kyle.  I've been wondering myself.

[grinders_18]

I'm removing to pull the driver's side mirror off and replace it. From my understanding, there are three bolts and an electrical plug holding the mirror and housing to the door and that's it. So I need to figure out how to remove the panel and reinstall without ruining anything.

[R Dubya]

once you have all the screws out, try to gently force the panel up from the bottom, don't do it too hard though, it should just pop right off the top and come free.

There are probably a few hidden screws, like in the handle, and you're going to have to at least partially remove the seatbelt. 

good luck!

[bake82]

Hey Kyle,

from what I remember there are definetly a few hidden screws here and there.  Start by removing the window switch, un hook, put aside, unscrew the panel behind the door handle, put aside.  Look along the edge of the panel for all screws,  Dont' forget I'm like 99.9% sure there is a big phillips head screw where the armrest is that you can access through the hole where the window switches were.

The "special tool" they are probably talking about is for the white snap things that push into the door to hold the panel in.  The door panel and those clips like to break.  IMO if you can hold off doing this, wait until the spring and the plastic won't be so brittle.  I've removed my Cutlass door panels too many times, and my old TGP's once or twice, and you do NOT need a special tool, however I think there IS a tool to help remove those stupid clips.

Hope this helps a little tiny bit!

[grinders_18]

Definately helps! I appreciate the help, and like you said, once it warms up, I'll review this thread and remove the panel as best I can...if all else fails, I'll take it to a shop...but I'd rather not.

[mfewtrail]

The special tool they're referring to is likely the tool Ryan(edit: Kyle! I skimmed the post too quickly :laugh: ) mentioned. http://toolsandmore.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=387

Like that one above^. They're a few bucks at any part store and definitely help if you've never had the panels off before. They're almost needed for newer cars as most of those panels are held on extremely well. :icon_eek:  You'll also need some torx sockets or bits that go in a nut driver(sockets will work, but the bits might be easier for at least one of the torx screws) to remove the door panel. The window switch is held on with what I beleive are T-15 sized torx screws. There are two larger torx screws right in the area where you're supposed to grab the door to push it open(one is in the left hand side of the window switch compartment area, the under is farther down..I forget what size they are, but I believe one or both of them might be something like a T-45...it'd help to have a standard set of torx bits or sockets handy, the ones that remove the panel are of a standard size included in the common kits, I just can't remember exactly what they are). There is a screw behind the light/reflector area in the door, some under the little trim piece over the seat belt cover at the bottom of the door, then there are the obvious ones at the top of the panel. At the top of the panel, remove the trim piece that covers the seat belt(inline with the bottom of the window). There will be two screws inside there as well. I'm probably leaving some out as I haven't had a door panel off in a year+, so take your time and be sure to locate all the screws.

EDIT #2 or 3....lol....I'll browse through my repair manual when I get a chance at take some scans or pictures of the pages with door panel removal so they'll be hosted on my photobucket account along with those GP part scan manuals, etc. I already have there.

[The Master]

I found this somewhere. Also, plan on replacing a few of those x-mas trees.

[mfewtrail]

Thanks for posting that David. ;) I'm curious as to what happened to the normal cloth on the top of that door panel. :laugh:

[grinders_18]

I vote this for a STICKY

[The Master]

I think I got that off W-body. It's not TGP specific.

[dogbone]

I looked in the manual and the update and they are not TGP specific, they are the standard door. There seems to be 2 screws under the little seatbelt cover at the window and 1- underneath the inside door handle.

I bought those stupid plastic insert clips at Canadian Tire so you probably can get them at Auto Zone after you break them.

[grinders_18]

Thanks again! This diagram cane in real handy while I installed my new mirror today. Finally some decent temperatures to do it!