Reinstalling Door Panel
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
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Likes: 1,218
From: Fredonia WI
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Reinstalling Door Panel
We tore the door apart in order to replace a broken, old-style window regulator with the new style on our project 87. Almost done and we can't quite get the door panel to fit back on right 
It seems to be hung up on something that's keeping it from fitting snug against the door - we can't quite get the screws for the armrest in (unless we angle the screws a lot). It clips over the top of the door fine, but it doesn't "naturally" fit up against the door at the arm rest or the bottom. I checked the door lock switch and connector (removed it) and that wasn't the problem. The other electrical connectors and wiring seem to be in the proper places. We just can't get the door panel pushed up against the door enough to get the arm rest screws in right.
[FSM p. 10-18: Installation. To install door trim panel, revers the removal procedures - well, no help here
]
Anyone have any thoughts what might be in the way?
TIA,
Gary
It seems to be hung up on something that's keeping it from fitting snug against the door - we can't quite get the screws for the armrest in (unless we angle the screws a lot). It clips over the top of the door fine, but it doesn't "naturally" fit up against the door at the arm rest or the bottom. I checked the door lock switch and connector (removed it) and that wasn't the problem. The other electrical connectors and wiring seem to be in the proper places. We just can't get the door panel pushed up against the door enough to get the arm rest screws in right.
[FSM p. 10-18: Installation. To install door trim panel, revers the removal procedures - well, no help here
]Anyone have any thoughts what might be in the way?
TIA,
Gary
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
Had the same problem w/mine when replacing the window stop piece. The wires to the lock , lite and window switches have to be in just the right place for everything to fit right. Also make sure the plastic nuts in the door frame have'nt moved a bit during removal. If you had to bend the metal panel to get to some things, that must be put back flat against the frame or it will obstruct the fit. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,455
Likes: 1,218
From: Fredonia WI
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2020 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
Thanks Clean. I guess I'll just have to keep moving the wire bundle and connectors around until it fits 
Gary
Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
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From: Orangeburg, NY
I had the same problem. It turned out to be two things. First was the wiring.
There is a plastic plate behind the door opener that needs to be snapped in, four plastic tips. At an angle put the tips into the holes that are towards the rear of the car. Once they are in then push the other two tips in. I used some masking tape to hold it in place.
Then hang the the panel to the top of the door and slide it back and/or forth until it mees the extention hub towards the rear of the door. Once it is lined up let it hang. From the bottom of the panel slide your hand and arm up to feel the wires, moving them into position. You can feel your way around to determine that the wires are in the right spot. Then push the panel in. That should do it. Hope this helps.
There is a plastic plate behind the door opener that needs to be snapped in, four plastic tips. At an angle put the tips into the holes that are towards the rear of the car. Once they are in then push the other two tips in. I used some masking tape to hold it in place.
Then hang the the panel to the top of the door and slide it back and/or forth until it mees the extention hub towards the rear of the door. Once it is lined up let it hang. From the bottom of the panel slide your hand and arm up to feel the wires, moving them into position. You can feel your way around to determine that the wires are in the right spot. Then push the panel in. That should do it. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,455
Likes: 1,218
From: Fredonia WI
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2020 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
I just need to try this again.Gary
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Wires must be clipped to the door in exactly the right place. Also make sure the lock rod is slipped into the plastic handle surround.
It never really fits well, always need to push on it while starting the armrest screws.
I'd highly recommend the "armrest savers" from the Ecklers catalog, gives you a solid piece of metal to screw down, the little plastic inserts won't hold well and result in you tugging directly on the door panel when opening the door.
It never really fits well, always need to push on it while starting the armrest screws.
I'd highly recommend the "armrest savers" from the Ecklers catalog, gives you a solid piece of metal to screw down, the little plastic inserts won't hold well and result in you tugging directly on the door panel when opening the door.
