2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Interior door panal removal?

[UPSER76]

A deer ran into the side of my baby and put a nice big dent

in the side door panal. I think I can push most of the dent out

from the inside but was wondering how to remove the door panal

without messing up the door. Thanks

 

[Oil Burner]

I don't now how close our interiors are, but I removed mine by pulling a few screw and just pulling the panel off. I bought some new "christmas" tree fasteners from a body shop. Dodge wanted something like 4. 00 each and I needed about 15. I got a whole box for 5. 00 from a body shop.

-Jason

 

[rrausch]

The best way to pull it is to take out all the screws first--some are hidden in odd places it if is like my '95. Then use a specialty tool which looks like a very wide-bladed screwdriver, with a slot cut into the blade to slip between the panel and the door, and pop the fasteners out of their holes. This tool is available at most Auto parts stores. Some versions look like putty knives, with a long slot cut into the blade. But the idea is the same on both tools, slip it between the door and panel so the fastener sits in the slot, then pry both panel and fastener away from the door. Every time I've used this tool to remove door panels, I don't break either panel or fastener, and every time I've NOT used it I've destroyed all the fasteners and sometimes tore up the panel too.



Then be careful removing the P. W. switches and whatever else holds the panel to the door.