Removing door panels to work on windows...

[ECA90049]

Have seen some special tools online for removing/working on the upholstery on cars. I need to remove the door panels to get to the windows. Do I need these special tools to do this? Also what comes off first?
Thanks, E

 

[Stevehose]

No tools needed but a thin plastic trim tool can be used. Unscrew the small screw that holds the plastic chrome piece on top of the arm rest, the 3 screws for the arm rest, and the screw for the door handle, then remove these items. Then pull off the door panel by popping it out of the little plastic fasteners along the perimeter then sliding it down and away from the wood trim. Care is needed here as the plastic fasteners break easily as does the old cardboard panel backing. The 1/4 window crank handle and ash tray can stay where they are. If you don't have a vapor barrier you can make one out of a contractor grade trash bag cut to fit then separated into 2 pieces, one for each door.

 

[ECA90049]

Thanks, will give it a try...E

 

[coupedegrace]

Steve(hose) - I've made replacement vapor barriers in the past, but I've never found the right adhesive to make them stay on very well. What do you suggest for gluing it on the door?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[coupesport]

Steve(hose) - I've made replacement vapor barriers in the past, but I've never found the right adhesive to make them stay on very well. What do you suggest for gluing it on the door?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Stevehose]

Steve(hose) - I've made replacement vapor barriers in the past, but I've never found the right adhesive to make them stay on very well. What do you suggest for gluing it on the door?

Thanks,
Dan

Umm err I just used thin strips of duct tape. If I were to do it again (or when I do, it's jsut a matter of time), I would use a brushable adhesive on the metal frame then apply the barrier, spraying something seems too messy to me.

 

[coupedegrace]

Umm err I just used thin strips of duct tape. If I were to do it again (or when I do, it's jsut a matter of time), I would use a brushable adhesive on the metal frame then apply the barrier, spraying something seems too messy to me.

Well as long as they were thin strips...

 

[ECA90049]

Just to be clear, what is a vapor barrier? Thanks, E

 

[Stevehose]

plastic between the door and door card to keep moisture out

 

[bavbob]

I know I am a walking advertisement for 3M strip caulk but I run a thin continuous bead on the door and use that to hold the vapor barrier. Not perfect but does allow removal to get to stuff and then reseal. Trash bag as mentioned or paint section at HD or Lowes for 2 or 3 mil plastic sheet.

 

[ECA90049]

I've been trying to remove the vent window knob without any success. Does anybody have any tips or techniques for removing this (want to ultimately remove the door panel to work on the window). Thanks, E

 

[HB Chris]

Use a small allen wrench, there is a hole on the back side, turn the knob until you find it and then press it off from the back. Don’t pry the front, you will damage it.

 

[Stevehose]

the knob doesnt have to come off if all you're removing is the panel

 

[ECA90049]

Use a small allen wrench, there is a hole on the back side, turn the knob until you find it and then press it off from the back. Don’t pry the front, you will damage it.

I will give it a try. Thanks...e

 

[ECA90049]

the knob doesnt have to come off if all you're removing is the panel

I will take everything else off and see if the panel comes off with the knob as well. Thanks...E

 

[Stevehose]

The knob and ashtray stay on. The panel slides out from below

 

[HB Chris]

I always remove ashtray as it helps hold the panel tight but I never knew vent knob could stay on! Still learning new tricks I guess.

 

[Cornishman]

Any tips on getting the last screws back into the armrest on reassembly?

 

[HB Chris]

I start with the machine screw under the chrome sleeve, I line it up first with a narrow punch. I leave it loose and then tackle the two coarse screws also using a punch to get the correct angle. I leave the armrest a bit away from the door card to watch the screw enter the door. I’ve done this a bunch of times and I rate it as one of the more frustrating tasks on a coupe.

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

View attachment 124931

@alprada70 here on the forum makes "peal and stick" vinyl vapor barriers for E3s and E9s. They are precision cut and easy to install.