Door panel removal 89 Coupe deville

[widgeon13]

You guys are sharp and responsive so I'm throwing myself at your mercy. I have an 89 Caddy that was my father's (since died) long time ago, window on passenger side is down and off the lift mechanism. Anyone know how to get the armrest off the door so the door panel can be removed? I have it loose around the perimeter but the door armrest is attached with screws and can't find how to exposed the head of the screws under the armrest. I know it's not pcar related but the thing only has 60K miles and it's a great airport car but I need to get the window fixed or my father will be pissed at me when I see him next time.



I don't want to use the BFH route or pry bar.

[widgeon13]

OH, I tried the Caddy forum, their not very responsive.

[masraum]

Is there nothing on the bottom of the arm rest? Maybe some holes with plugs for screws that go in at an angle or something?

[masraum]

Very Pimpy, BTW. Cream and red. Nice.

[bivenator]

I suspect under the light or the window/door lock switch plate there are other screws. I just did a similar fix on a lincoln. There were screws in the bottom of the door and on end near strike plate.
+1 on the cool factor pimp mobile.

[stomachmonkey]

Those GM door panels sometimes seem like they are still connected somewhere but not necc.

They generally lift straight up then come off.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by bivenator

I suspect under the light or the window/door lock switch plate there are other screws. I just did a similar fix on a lincoln. There were screws in the bottom of the door and on end near strike plate.
+1 on the cool factor pimp mobile.

Excellent, yes, often the switches just pry out of the panels and there are sometimes screws under them or the light.

[widgeon13]

Thanks guys, I'll keep trying. No screws on the bottom of the armrest.

It's very pimpy but my father loved it, what can I say. It's always good for some laughs with my friends. It still rides like a magic carpet and it's pretty fast and agile for a heavy car.

Most times when I have it on the highway and some asshat comes up behind me and blinks the lights I can leave them in my dust!

Hoping I don't have to use duct tape to hold the window up.

[dhoward]

Look around the door pull. That's where the forces would be concentrated and screws located. I had a Toronado with the same set-up. Can't exactly remember, but seems familiar.

[Scuba Steve]

I'll second looking behind the door pull. Maybe carefully remove the window / seat controls to see if there's a way to remove the armrest (maybe there's a fastener behind that too?)

[bell]

I will photo shop arrows tonite exactly how to pull it.....I've done a hundred of them....at work so no time right now......

[widgeon13]

Well got the armrest and panel off. It was held on by no less than four big screws and was able to see what has happened. Lights and lock/ window plates snapped out. A small plastic fitting for a ball in the middle has cracked, this moves in a slider so the window goes up and down. Now I understand why my father always said "Don't slam the doors". Obviously, not engineered by the Germans. Just for kicks I will go to a Caddy dealer and see if they have it. I'm certain if I had it done at a dealer it would cost a small fortune.

This should be interesting trying to find a replacement part. I'm sure if I go to Cadillac it will be part of a larger mechanism. For the time being, I will cut a board to length and wedge under the glass in the closed position hoping this will not be the permanent fix.

Thanks for all the suggestions. If anyone sees a part like this let me know.



Thanks again for all the comments and encouragement.

[anotherblack944]

Common component of GM (maybe more) windows that often sticks and then breaks. I'll bet the dealer might even have them in stock. Push comes to shove.. there's always the JY?

[widgeon13]

OK, JY junk yard, it just dawned on me, don't want to go that route if possible.

Let's hope I can find a new on at a dealer. It's too much work to do at a JY and then have it break in a few months.

God, cars can be frustrating. Maybe I should call the WH and see if they have it in stock!

[anotherblack944]

Like I said.. it's a common failure, they should..

edit.. just checked ********.. #20369894 $5.45ea, now I'm SURE they'll have them..

Just make sure you clean the 20 year old grease out of the rail that it slides in REAL well (and re-lube with fresh). If any of the other windows are slow to roll down it would be a good idea to do the same to those before you find out exactly how common the failure is.

[widgeon13]

Thanks! Will do.

[Brillo]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

OH, I tried the Caddy forum, their not very responsive.

Did you try http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/forum/