[DML] Re: door panel removal

["Jesse D. Sightler" <jsight@xxxx>]

Basically, you just follow the instructions in the workshop manual. 
They are relatively good. :-)

But, here's a rundown, as well as the one disagreement that I have with
the book:

1.) Pop loose the fir-tree clamps along the top of the upper trim
pad. Simply get your finger, or a flat, sturdy object under the top
edge of the trim panel and pull up. :-) They should pop right out,
allowing for easy removal of the trim pad.

2.) Unscrew the lower trim bracket from the door. I believe that
there are about 6 screws involved here, but do make sure to remember
what order they go in. Nothing's worse than trying to put the wrong
screws in the wrong holes. :(

3.) Carefully remove the molding from around the lock/release
latch/mirror. I believe that the manual almost completely neglects to
mention this step, but... well it's important. :)

4.) Break loose the fir tree clips at the bottom of the lower trim
panel. Be careful not to damage the rubber seal between the lower door
carpet and the door itself. If you do, this can easily be glued back on
(as I had to do:).

5.) Stare down at the handle used to pull the door down (you know, the
one with the pull-strap attached... yeah that one:). From the top
inside you should be able to see TWO hex nuts that hold the handle in
place. I believe that they are 13mm, but I may be remembering wrong. 
Remove those two bolts and remove the door pull handle.

6.) Now you should be able to remove the entire lower trim pad, and
get to work on re-forming that door guide.

Overall the process can be a bit time-consuming, but is relatively
painless. And, AFAIK, the $5 fix will at least solve your problem for a
while, as it seems to be working well with my passenger side door at the
moment.

Have fun,

Jess
http://www.biddin.com/delorean/
VIN# 5220

"Mike $" wrote:
> 
> Hi, I need to fix my windows (I'm doing the $5 fix for now), but I would
> like to know the proper way of taking apart the interior panel of the door
> first. I didn't want to just jump in and break something :) Could someone
> explain the proper procedure, or direct me to a web-page explaining how to
> do this?
> Thanks in advance,
> Mike Schaefer
> vin 01118