[EEZATOY]

I have a window express I want to install and I beleive it will easier/necessary to remove the door panel to access the window electronics...any tips to accomplish this?



TIA

Sam

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[Anchorman]

It's not just easier - there's no choice. The door panel removal is really pretty straightforward - it's just that there are a lot of screws and fasteners and it helps to keep track of them so that they go back where they belong. There may be a DIY on this site, or on Clarks Garage. Otherwise, I'll come back to this thread and provide some pointers (I simply can't take the time at this moment - sorry). Window Express is worth the effort, though.

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[doster]

Its pretty easy except for the arm rest screws, so when your on your back trying to get them back in

just relax, it might take a few tries <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



good luck

Doug

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[flash]

do yourself a favor though and buy a door panel removal tool if you don't have one - a screwdriver stands a very good chance of breaking the plastic fasteners or tearing the panel in the process

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[Anchorman]

Flash is correct - and there are a number of these "push" fasteners around the sides (and bottom? I don't remember) of the panel. The fasteners can be replaced, but once the mounting hole on the door panel is torn (and, therefore, enlarged). getting the panel to stay close to the sheet metal becomes an annoying challenge. As they say, "Don't ask me how I know."

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[Tom in Austin]

The other thing to know is that once all the fasteners are out, you have to lift the panel up to release a large metal 'hook' located directly behind the top of the hand grip. The hook points downward thus the need to lift the entire panel up to release it.



When you put it all back together use a piece of firm 3/8" rubber weatherstripping to replace the crumbling original foam on the inside of the hook. This will give the hook a tight grip on the door panel and give the hand grip a nice solid feel after re-assembly.

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[EEZATOY]

Thanks for all the advise - as usual it probably seems more daunting than it really is...just takes some patience. I'll try and tackle it this weekend.



Sam

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[Anchorman]

Probably the best piece of advice is - pull, push, gently and you'll find where the various screws are. Some of them are, to me, obvious but slightly challenging - such as the Phillips head screw that holds in place the plastic backing place for the door release lever - getting that back in is always more difficult than it looks like it ought to be. Overall all, though, it is exactly as you say - more daunting in appearance than in fact.

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[jeff968]

there is a great DIY under door handle gasket replacement with photos and covers teh door panel removal. Take a look, on page 3.

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[EEZATOY]

Prefect - thanks Jeff... <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Peter B]

What else should I do now that the door panel is off.  

 

1) I fixed a rattle - screw came out.  Lock-tight in now. 

2) I cleaned the dirt out of the bottom.

3) I put in sound damping material.  

4) I plan on replacing the handle gasket - I hope I can buy this from Sunset. 

 

Should I be lubricating anything?   replacing anything else?  Window guides?   It's not that hard to get the panel off, but it is a pain and I think every time you do it, the push-pins get a little less sticky.   Any other suggestions / good ideas?   thanks, 

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[MCL968]

Lube all the lock linkage and the actuator. A couple of drops under the rubber boot is all you need.

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