door panels

[jimmers]

How exactly do you take the door panels off of a 9o vette? i removed all the screws i can see but its on really tight. I dont want to pull it off incase it breaks.

 

[markone]

Ok, I don't know exactly how to pull the panels, but every other GM door panel I have ever pulled has pressure clips (plastic) besides the screws, holding the door panels in place. There are special tools made to get between the door panel and the door so you can pry the clips out of their door sockets. If you try to remove the panels without the tool, you risk damaging the panel attachment points. Other than that all I can offer is for you to purchase a service manual and it will tell you exactly what to do.

 

[WhalePirot]

The trickiest part is the handle. Make sure you have all the screws out of it and the speaker. The bottom should be quite free when you have all the screws out, but if you have a 'tight' spot, carefully pry it away and see what kind on connector is holding it, if you can. Then you should be able to access the wires that must be disconnected and lift the panel off, while easing it off gthe handle. It tightly slides onto the door frame on top.

I'll check, but I don't recall any weird or special snaps.

 

[jmccloud]

Special door panel fastener removal tool

Ok, I don't know exactly how to pull the panels, but every other GM door panel I have ever pulled has pressure clips (plastic) besides the screws, holding the door panels in place. There are special tools made to get between the door panel and the door so you can pry the clips out of their door sockets. If you try to remove the panels without the tool, you risk damaging the panel attachment points. Other than that all I can offer is for you to purchase a service manual and it will tell you exactly what to do.

Try a dandelion puller available from the local garden or hardware store. It has a 'V' shaped end that's usually 1/2 - 3/4" wide but only 1/32" or so thick. Slide the forked end up to the fastener and pry the fastener out of the door very gently, keeping the fastener with the trim panel. Once the fastener has been pulled (ripped) out of the trim, it doesn't work very well.
And yes, make sure the door handle attachment screws and any screws inside or below the armrests are out.
Once the entire panel is loose, lift it UP not out.
Hope this helps

 

[fredk]

Their is a post in here that is a step by step procedure for removing the door panel and installing outer door weatherstrip. Check the search for weatherstip.

 

[Jeb]

Their is a post in here that is a step by step procedure for removing the door panel and installing outer door weatherstrip. Check the search for weatherstip.

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001/october/window/win-1.asp

At your service, Sir.

 

[jimmers]

wow thats really helpful...thanks for the link!!!

 

[fredk]

Jimmers, are you near Toronto ???? We should get together a Cayuga for a few trips down the 1/4 mile, if we can get some local boys together.

 

[jimmers]

im from Winnipeg Manitoba

 

[max]

Well , I just yesterday decided to take my door apart too. Thing is ,I need to retint the glass . And guess what , I couldn't get the trim off !!!! lucky me I have a service manual , where it shows all the screws . But the lock switch slide , as I understood holds it pretty tight . I pulled it as hard as I could in any possible direction , using common sense offcourse, but no luck . Now I see from Jeb's link , you gotta pry it with a screwdriver . Hope it's not gonna break .

 

[milehigreg]

Door Panels

I just replaced the outer window seals on on my 89 this weekend and had to remove the door panels. I had to pop off the lock switch handle. My car is sun baked and while many of the plastic pieces are brittle these did not break. Wait til you try to put the panels back on, the same door lock switch is the sticking point. A little patience should do the trick.

 

[jimmers]

Thanks for all the posts guys. The door panel came off with no problems. I just hope that when i put it back on tonight i dont have any problems!!

 

[max]

Well , thanks milehigreg ! It was a pleasureable surprise . I prayed , stuck the screwdriver underneath the lock switch handle and slooooowly started to pry
... the thing just jumped off with a nicely audible pop . I laughed from happyness .

Nice to hear that all gone good at yours , Jimmers..
But !!!
The door panel itself . I guess I'm facing the need for replacement
The upper portion is cracked and badly welded , molded .. whatever by someone to no use . that's why it didn't hold itself on the door properly .
I am kinda person who tries to save and to restore things . ( why to buy C6 when you can nicely drive around inna 50-60 ies showroom C2 or C1 .....or C3 or C4 )
So there is an idea to "glue" it together and to strengthen it with a glassfiber . But how the panel plastic will react to it , won't it get burned ? Is anyone knows some chemistry or done anything like that ? I , unfortunately , neither
max

 

[max]

Well , nobody either noticed this tread lately , or has no time to answer . Well I understand , me too don't have a lot of time lately .
Had to try it myself , and the results are good . Panel held good , nothing bad happened , and I got the job done . Fiberglass makes good strengthening for door panels . So , job done

 

[avacorvette]

Well , nobody either noticed this tread lately , or has no time to answer . Well I understand , me too don't have a lot of time lately .
Had to try it myself , and the results are good . Panel held good , nothing bad happened , and I got the job done . Fiberglass makes good strengthening for door panels . So , job done

Whent to my friendly GM dealer and they printed out directions for me. Just ask Mr. Goodwrench.