Front Door Panel Removal
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Front Door Panel Removal
I'm looking to remove my front door panels on my 2003 Bonneville SLE. I remember seeing a forum with great instructions on how to do it, but I cannot seem to find it (I had it on my favorites but had to reformat). If someone could possibly post the instructions or a link to that forum it would be greatly appreciated.
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I have not done a write up on doing this, but guess I should add that to my list. All you really need is these tools.
I got these from Sears, but have also seen them at Autozone
If you need any more help, let me know and I'll see if I can dig up a few diagrams.
I got these from Sears, but have also seen them at Autozone
If you need any more help, let me know and I'll see if I can dig up a few diagrams.
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thanks for your speedy reply! Ya I figured I would need that stuff ( I have most of it). If you wouldn't mind digging up the diagrams that would help me alot!
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Last edited by allenj3; 02-11-2009 at 03:59 PM. Reason: gramatical error
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OK, give me a little time here, I'm in the middle of something else but will then get that. It will be for a 97 but the clips should be close. I'm not sure though.
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Alright, I have this. I can't say for sure everything is in the same location on your year, but it should give you a good idea where everything is located. If you need anything else, just ask.
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To help a little here, in the 2000+ Bonneville you don't have to remove any of the switches or controls. These remain on the door panel and there is a connector behind the panel that unplugs and allows you to remove the door panel intact. The only piece you need to remove before the panel itself is the trim around the door handle.
There are also no screws to remove to get the panel off.
Retainers are a two-piece fastener. One half remains on the door panel and the other remains in the sheet metal of the door. You need to seperate the door panel away from the door itself by carefully prying all around the outer edge. It is not uncommon to hear a loud snap as the retainer releases. This is by design. Once all the retainers are clear of their mating piece on the door itself, you need to lift up the door panel. There are two spring steel retainers that will slide out of plastic attaching blocks screwed onto the door itself.
To reinstall the door panel, you will find two spring steel retainers "flopping" in door panel cavities just behind the door handle. You will need to remove these and slide them back into the groves of the plastic attaching blocks screwed to the door. Installation of the door panel at this point is basically the reverse of removal.
There are also no screws to remove to get the panel off.
Retainers are a two-piece fastener. One half remains on the door panel and the other remains in the sheet metal of the door. You need to seperate the door panel away from the door itself by carefully prying all around the outer edge. It is not uncommon to hear a loud snap as the retainer releases. This is by design. Once all the retainers are clear of their mating piece on the door itself, you need to lift up the door panel. There are two spring steel retainers that will slide out of plastic attaching blocks screwed onto the door itself.
To reinstall the door panel, you will find two spring steel retainers "flopping" in door panel cavities just behind the door handle. You will need to remove these and slide them back into the groves of the plastic attaching blocks screwed to the door. Installation of the door panel at this point is basically the reverse of removal.
Last edited by ddalder; 02-11-2009 at 04:40 PM.
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