Sorry if this sounds elementary, I >think< I know, if I could just have confirmation.
I want to access the insides of my doors for general inspection, cleanup (if any) and lubrication (windows don't move freely the whole way down). I have not done a close inspection yet.
1) Do the door handles and cranks come off by unscrewing and pulling them?
2) Is there a special tool I need to pick up at the auto store to do this?
3) Are the interior panels themselves held on with clips? How does one remove them (gently prying or other)?
Man, it's been 20+ years since I literally took a car apart (restored a 1957 Chevy frame off back in the day). I am rusty myself, but willing...and have LOTS of questions. Many thanks.
Chris
Quote from: popbumper on June 25, 2008, 09:39:26 AM
Sorry if this sounds elementary, I >think< I know, if I could just have confirmation.
I want to access the insides of my doors for general inspection, cleanup (if any) and lubrication (windows don't move freely the whole way down). I have not done a close inspection yet.
1) Do the door handles and cranks come off by unscrewing and pulling them?
2) Is there a special tool I need to pick up at the auto store to do this?
3) Are the interior panels themselves held on with clips? How does one remove them (gently prying or other)?
Man, it's been 20+ years since I literally took a car apart (restored a 1957 Chevy frame off back in the day). I am rusty myself, but willing...and have LOTS of questions. Many thanks.
Chris
The early door pull has two bolts, the later ones have two bolts and a screw. Both the window crank and the door handle are screwed on. The hard part is removing the panel without damage. They are clipped on and you need an iterior panel removal tool to get it off. You NEED to be VERY careful to pull the CLIPS and not just the panel NEAR them. The panel is very easily damaged and IMHO even with care they can only be removed so many times before they rip.
Use care when installing the panels too.
Be sure to re-install the moisture paper when you put the door back together. I see cars all the time that had that paper removed at some point, and moisture will kill the panel. Use plastic if you need to, but put some barrier there.
Bill
Thanks Bill!
Chris
I forgot to mention that the early 3 point door pulls have a chrome collar that needs to be un-clipped before you can get to the screw. I normally use a small scribe to unclip it. I slide the scribe BETWEEN the chrome and the handle and they pop off. You can easily damage the door panel if you pry against it.
Bill
Looks like 77turbopinto has it covered!
I use a door panel removal tool to pop off the clips out of the door on my panels. It wraps around the clip as well as giving some reinforcement around the surrounding area so the panel doesn't tear.
Just like this tool:
http://www.usatoolsinc.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=16400
Visited Auto Zone tonite and got the panel puller. Worked great! Pulled the passenger door panel; the screw behind the chrome collar was "unexpected", but everything came apart fine and there was no damage to the panel. Lubed up the mechs real good, window still a bit tight at the lowest point of travel, but functions much better.
Used Mother's mag wheel polish on the chrome handles and collar, cleaned the panel with Armor all cleaner/protector, scrubbed the handle with a toothbrush and the same, then finished it with Novus plastic polish. It should all go back together nicely and look great.
It's a fun thing when something that has been together for 30+ years gets disassembled....
Chris
Especially when it is disassembled, and then RE-assembled in a better way or even just looking like it did when it was new! :D
Glad to hear it worked for you!
I would highly recommend adding the "panel popper" to your salvage yard tool box. I can't count the number of times I've needed mine and didn't have it on me!