Front Door Trim Panel Removal ?

[ShoThang]

Well I'm trying to remove the front door trim panels so I can replace the speakers, but I am having some difficulty in getting them off.

I've got every single screw I can find off and I can't seem to make the panel budge. I even put a small crack in it tryin to get the darn thing off...

Do I just need to eat some spinach and rip this thing off ? Or is there some sort of trick to removing these?

Any help is apreciated. Thanks!

 

[Mac]

I just ripped mine out because I gutted my car, but you basically just have to pry it off. Start with the top left corner of the driver's door panel.

 

[davidb]

Well I'm trying to remove the front door trim panels so I can replace the speakers, but I am having some difficulty in getting them off.

I've got every single screw I can find off and I can't seem to make the panel budge. I even put a small crack in it tryin to get the darn thing off...

Do I just need to eat some spinach and rip this thing off ? Or is there some sort of trick to removing these?

Any help is apreciated. Thanks!

There are only a few screws to worry about the rest of the work is just pulling it off the door. It is held on by plastic tabs. You can buy a door panel tool that will help you pull it off. Or, just use a screw driver. You have to apply a good deal of force to get it started but once you get the first tab to pop the rest are alittle easier. Just follow around the door panel until you have them all poped out. Be carful not to damage your paint!

Dave

 

[silversho89]

Like david said, the tool makes it so much easier. It looks like a wide regular screwdriver with a fork in it.

Im sure any parts house would have one in the tool aisle. They can also be used for many other things. I use mine quite a bit.

Rob

 

[etc1006]

Even a good stiff putty knife will work. Actually my Mac door panel tool didn't like these door panels as opposed to the flatter style in the mustangs, etc. The putty knife worked good on the console too!

 

[SlowHeavyObject]

Actually, there are guide pins set up in the panel so it lines up with the door more accurately. First, after removing all the screws, you have to pry the door panel out at the bottom with a screwdriver or putty knife to disengage the clips at the bottom. Then at the front of the panel (the side that is parallel with the door jamb), you have to pull toward you and up (sort of sliding it diagonal) first to clear the pins without breaking them. After the front is clear, then you can lift the panel up to clear the lock **** (easier if in the lock position). The leftmost/rearward part of the panel should slide up last as you lift the panel out of the window channel. And don't forget to disconnect wiring and bulbs as i have destroyed a panel that way.

When disassembling your car to do a stereo install, it's always handy to have a Chilton's or Haynes manual handy and wiring diagrams (usually included in the manual). I've taken a car down to the frame and rebuilt it using one of those as the only reference!