Door panel removal

[Harpman]

I need to take off the drivers panel to lubricate the power window tracks.

I don't want to mess anything else up though.

How many screws are there to take out and how do I handle the power window switches/mirror control on the door? I don't want it to fall apart in my hands.

Are there a bunch of clips around outer panel edge that I have to pry off?

thanks

[SoCal Driver]

I just spray silly-cone down the tracks while running the window up and down.

Still doesn't hurt to lube the regulator gear drive and clean the electrical contacts on the motor.

You have to pop off the cover behind the inside door handle and remove the screw behind it and the main bezzel. There are several large screws at the bottom of the arm rest that have to come out as well as a few that go through the arm rest.

Use a large screw driver to pop the plastic keepers around the ends and bottom of the panel. Stick the screw driver blade under the panel right next to the plastic keeper and twist -- do not pry -- the driver to pop the keeper loose. Prying will damage the paint around the door. Get as close to the plastic keeper as possible or it will pull out of the fiber door panel.

If the keeper pulls out you can repair the door panel by pusing the broken fiber pieces back into place and using super glue on it. I usually have a 1/2 ounce bottle of ZAP from the local hobby shop at hand.

Once the keepers, arm rest screws and the door lock push are removed the panel lifts up and out of the window slot.

I've put short wood screws throught the panel and into the arm rest to hold the damn thing in place. If you don't the large bolt at the arm rest's end that the bent metal catch is on will twist and start to pull through the panel. Either get three large head screws or put washers behind them. Nuber 8's seem to come to mind.

Carefully pull back the plastic moisture barrior and lube the regulator gears and the electrical connections on the motor.

[Porsche944]

I don't recall exactly how many screws there are, but there are 4 in the speaker grill, 3 or so for the door pull, and 2 or 3 for the door pocket.

Before you start I highly recommend you get a door panel tool. If you just yank on the panel, the plastic door clips will tear out and you're screwed.

[VT944]

There are about 6 or 7 screws along the bottom of the door, that hold the door pocket to the door. They can be hard to spot, as the carpet covers the screw heads. Be sure you have them all out before you start pulling on the lower door pocket! Once they are all removed, the door pocket will practically fall off in your hands.

Also, remove the lower door pocket first, then the three larger screws that go up at an angle into the door armrest/pull. The door pocket is also the last thing to go on. You'll understand once you start in.

When you remove the door panel, the three arm rest screws come out, but the top of the door pull stays with the panel as you pull the panel off the door. It will just sorta "hang" there because the top is mounted to the door panel by a nut from the inside. Just support the armrest/pull as you pull the door panel off the door and you'll be fine.

Good Luck!

[Gordon Rankin]

HHmm 3 responses to do the same thing?? Interesting!!

[Harpman]

Sounds like a pain in the ass.

I think I'll just trade the car for one with working windows. Less of a hassle.

Thanks for the advice, I think.

[SoCal Driver]

Forgot the speaker cover I did.

But since my change tray cover will not stay closed I guess I'll trade it in.

[scottmandue]

Try the silicone first, worked for me... if that doesn't work I'll give you five bucks for the POS

SoCal, why don't you write a book for ****** sake! "Everything you wanted to know about 924/944 but were afraid to ask"

Maybe we could get Pelican to sell it

[SoCal Driver]

My book would have just one page!

CHANGE THE TIMING BELT!!!!!

[SoCal Driver]

Speaking of fixing cars Scott, when do we fix the cargo cover, e-brake switch and sunroof on yours?????

[Gordon Rankin]

Cant the door covers just as easily be removed with my crow bar?