What's the correct way to remove door panels? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Fraser Beatty · 07-25-2008, 08:14 PM

I am in the process of removing the door panels on my 83 to get at the door locks. I've removed door panels before on my 79 but wound up damaging them, so would like to know this time around what the correct way to remove them is. For example what needs to be removed, how you maneouvre the panel out of space between the door and the window, that kind of thing. Thanks for any and all help you can provide!

**old Rusty C10** · 07-25-2008, 09:53 PM

they have a special tool to remove the window handle crank.. unscrew the door lock button head ,there are a bunch of phillips head screws that hold the panel to the door.. i wind the window all the way down and i take some dish soap and lube the edge of the rubber by the vent window then i pop pff the two plastic clips that hold the door panel in and i carefully wiggle out the door panel.. its usually easier to pop out the door handle first then work on loosening it from the window

Fraser Beatty · 07-25-2008, 10:00 PM

Is there any way to get the window handles out without the special tool? The ones on the 79 popped right off but these ones I can't budge. Also where are these two plastic clips? Up top near the window?

Albatrossian · 07-25-2008, 10:11 PM

Theres a horseshoe looking clip in a slot in the handle where it slips on the spline.. you just need to get that off..

ont_guy_38 · 07-26-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albatrossian

Theres a horseshoe looking clip in a slot in the handle where it slips on the spline.. you just need to get that off..

This is what it looks like . They are usually pretty cheap at auto parts stores . I have had success with a long skinny knife before but i don't really recommend that...lol

BowTieOgre · 07-26-2008, 10:51 AM

The tool is only 3 or 4 bucks but if you dont want to make a run to the parts store for just that then just use a small to medium size flathead screwdriver...just be careful with the panel. If you pop the clip out of one side of the groove you can go to the other side and pop the other one out. The plastic clips are up near the top of the door panel about 3 inches or so from the outside edges of the panel.

Fraser Beatty · 07-27-2008, 02:07 PM

The door panels are out! Next question: how do I remove the door lock cylinder? I'm taking them into the locksmith to get new keys made as I lost the only one I had. Thanks again for all your help!

TexasJeff · 07-28-2008, 12:54 PM

There should be a metal clip that slides around the cylinder with a tab on it, push the tab away from the cylinder, the clip should slide right off with a little elbow grease. Remember to remove the rod connected to the cylinder.

07-25-2008, 08:14 PM	#1
Fraser Beatty Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sarnia, Ontario Posts: 571	What's the correct way to remove door panels? I am in the process of removing the door panels on my 83 to get at the door locks. I've removed door panels before on my 79 but wound up damaging them, so would like to know this time around what the correct way to remove them is. For example what needs to be removed, how you maneouvre the panel out of space between the door and the window, that kind of thing. Thanks for any and all help you can provide! __________________ 1961 GMC 930- SOLD 1979 GMC C35 Single Wheel Camper Special- SOLD 1980 GMC C25 Camper Special- SOLD 1983 Chevrolet C10- SOLD 1983 Chevrolet Camaro- SOLD 1985 GMC C1500 (Dad's truck) 1985 GMC C3500 Crew Cab Dually- TRADED FOR 61 GMC 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 V6 Shortbox- Daily Driver

07-25-2008, 09:53 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: What's the correct way to remove door panels? they have a special tool to remove the window handle crank.. unscrew the door lock button head ,there are a bunch of phillips head screws that hold the panel to the door.. i wind the window all the way down and i take some dish soap and lube the edge of the rubber by the vent window then i pop pff the two plastic clips that hold the door panel in and i carefully wiggle out the door panel.. its usually easier to pop out the door handle first then work on loosening it from the window __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

07-25-2008, 10:00 PM	#3
Fraser Beatty Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sarnia, Ontario Posts: 571	Re: What's the correct way to remove door panels? Is there any way to get the window handles out without the special tool? The ones on the 79 popped right off but these ones I can't budge. Also where are these two plastic clips? Up top near the window? __________________ 1961 GMC 930- SOLD 1979 GMC C35 Single Wheel Camper Special- SOLD 1980 GMC C25 Camper Special- SOLD 1983 Chevrolet C10- SOLD 1983 Chevrolet Camaro- SOLD 1985 GMC C1500 (Dad's truck) 1985 GMC C3500 Crew Cab Dually- TRADED FOR 61 GMC 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 V6 Shortbox- Daily Driver

07-25-2008, 10:11 PM	#4
Albatrossian Georgia Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Douglas, Georgia Posts: 370	Re: What's the correct way to remove door panels? Theres a horseshoe looking clip in a slot in the handle where it slips on the spline.. you just need to get that off..

07-26-2008, 10:51 AM	#6
BowTieOgre Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 1,461	Re: What's the correct way to remove door panels? The tool is only 3 or 4 bucks but if you dont want to make a run to the parts store for just that then just use a small to medium size flathead screwdriver...just be careful with the panel. If you pop the clip out of one side of the groove you can go to the other side and pop the other one out. The plastic clips are up near the top of the door panel about 3 inches or so from the outside edges of the panel. __________________ 1986 C10 - LWB, 305/700r4, posi, vortec heads

07-27-2008, 02:07 PM	#7
Fraser Beatty Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sarnia, Ontario Posts: 571	Re: What's the correct way to remove door panels? The door panels are out! Next question: how do I remove the door lock cylinder? I'm taking them into the locksmith to get new keys made as I lost the only one I had. Thanks again for all your help! __________________ 1961 GMC 930- SOLD 1979 GMC C35 Single Wheel Camper Special- SOLD 1980 GMC C25 Camper Special- SOLD 1983 Chevrolet C10- SOLD 1983 Chevrolet Camaro- SOLD 1985 GMC C1500 (Dad's truck) 1985 GMC C3500 Crew Cab Dually- TRADED FOR 61 GMC 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 V6 Shortbox- Daily Driver

07-28-2008, 12:54 PM	#8
TexasJeff Don't Crush em Restore em Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pinehurst, Texas Posts: 764	Re: What's the correct way to remove door panels? There should be a metal clip that slides around the cylinder with a tab on it, push the tab away from the cylinder, the clip should slide right off with a little elbow grease. Remember to remove the rod connected to the cylinder. __________________ TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually

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