89 door panel install tips

[joshwilson3]

I had both door panels removed on my 89. I went to install them and I can get them back on, and the lock rod in place. Just that the center of the door panel sticks out from the door. So, I have to take my knee and push in on the door arm rest to put the two screws in.

But the problem is that even if I do that, the two screw holes for the armrest don't line up with the plastic nuts on the inner metal door piece. So, I have to put the screws in at an angle.

One of the screws on the driver side I didn't even think I'd be able to get in there. But the last few times I've popped them on and off. It looks like it messes up the door light. The driver side door light doesn't click now, so I'll have to go pull that to figure out what is causing that. And last time I had popped the passenger door panel off a few times, the clicker assembly for the light fell apart and I had to get a new wiring harness.

Is that the way it is, or is there something else I need to know? It looks like to me the wires are out of the way, and I know you have to tuck that big wire that runs along the bottom up and into the groove. I just figured those two armrest screw holes should line up without having to shuve the armrest in.

 

[joshwilson3]

Bump. Anything special I should know? I can get the door panel on, and the manual door lock rod in position. Its just that the center of the door panel sticks out. So, I have to push it in with my knee. But even then, the 2 screw holes for the armrest and plastic nuts in the door don't line up, so I have to put the screws in at an angle.