Door panel replacement?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: Sublimity OR
Door panel replacement?
I took advantage of a Corvette America sale and got new door panels 
Have been looking for instructions on the website here; found instructions for the outer glass moldings....but nothing for the door panels themselves.
Somewhere I read, start at the bottom removing screws (screw pack for interior is to be delivered today) and work your way up.
Anyone know a website with detailed instructions for this operation? I replaced the light by the door handle on the passenger side and that was an _itch and the electric door lock does not now work on the passenger door.
So many problems but I love her.....my 1987 Corvette convertible--flame red
Have been looking for instructions on the website here; found instructions for the outer glass moldings....but nothing for the door panels themselves.Somewhere I read, start at the bottom removing screws (screw pack for interior is to be delivered today) and work your way up.
Anyone know a website with detailed instructions for this operation? I replaced the light by the door handle on the passenger side and that was an _itch and the electric door lock does not now work on the passenger door.
So many problems but I love her.....my 1987 Corvette convertible--flame red
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: Sublimity OR
Got no replies to my question, but Corvette America included in the packages of the door panels instructions.
It is good to know that apparently Corvette America helps support this forum with advertising.
Thank you, to those of you that thought of replying.
It is good to know that apparently Corvette America helps support this forum with advertising.
Thank you, to those of you that thought of replying.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,073
Likes: 6,634
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Hopefully CA's instructions will get you through. When I did them on my '92 I had the FSM, and between that, some common sense and a little luck things came out well.
If you get stuck post again, someone with experience on an 87 will show up.
If you get stuck post again, someone with experience on an 87 will show up.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
When I removed the panel on my 87, I couldn't find any "instruction", but I didn't find it particularly difficult. Remove the screws around the sides and bottom (I think there's 8/10 of them). The tricky part is that there are 3/4 screws in the handle and IIRC one's kind of hidden. Also the slide for the lock takes some playing with, you kind of have to remove it and the panel at the same time. Once the panel is loose, hold it and then make the necessary wire dis-connections in the back. Don't pull or drop the panel until you do so. First panel will take about a half hour because of the learning cure. The rest will be easy. A power screw driver is a must for the job.
Last edited by Steve59; Oct 20, 2012 at 09:44 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
It really doesn't matter where you start removing screws so long as you get them all: along the carpet, around the Bose speaker, one on rear of door panel, two in latch area. Then pop the plastic handle off the manual door lock rod, lift the panel up to release the top from the door frame and slide forward slightly to clear the lock lever.
Indeed support the panel till all electricals are disconnected; use caution when removing the screws to the power door lock switch as those plastic ears can break off easily.
If a door lock don't work it's a good time to pry the switch from the socket to clean & lube the contacts. Also a good time to lube the door lock & latch mechanisms.
Have fun with the project.
Indeed support the panel till all electricals are disconnected; use caution when removing the screws to the power door lock switch as those plastic ears can break off easily.
If a door lock don't work it's a good time to pry the switch from the socket to clean & lube the contacts. Also a good time to lube the door lock & latch mechanisms.
Have fun with the project.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: Sublimity OR
Thank you all for the encouragement, warnings, and instructions. I did it.......the hard part was actually the lower window outside seals. I easy-outed the rivets and put in screws but getting the clips in their holes was a bear.
Cutting the plastic for the speakers was also not easy; on the first door I used a box cutter which took a lot of work. The second I drilled the corners and used my skill saw. The neighborhood has a lot of plastic "snow" now
I'll have to take the driver side door panel off again to replace a door lock switch. I haven't ordered the switch and bezel yet. I guess I had better order two so they match. I see they have locked/unlocked in white now.l
If you live in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, or Oracle, AZ could you give me the name of a good paint shop.
Cutting the plastic for the speakers was also not easy; on the first door I used a box cutter which took a lot of work. The second I drilled the corners and used my skill saw. The neighborhood has a lot of plastic "snow" now
I'll have to take the driver side door panel off again to replace a door lock switch. I haven't ordered the switch and bezel yet. I guess I had better order two so they match. I see they have locked/unlocked in white now.l
If you live in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, or Oracle, AZ could you give me the name of a good paint shop.
