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My 1996 door panels seem to stick out some on the left and right side. There are no bolts that secure this area just the 5 inner door panel retainers and the 3 screws that holds the door plate control
My 1996 door panels seem to stick out some on the left and right side. There are no bolts that secure this area just the 5 inner door panel retainers and the 3 screws that holds the door plate control
On my 94 the back top part of the door pad had a gap. I put about a two inch screw through the door pad on a slight angle. It is totaly hidden by the door sweep and hooks over the door frame. Works like a champ.
My 1996 door panels seem to stick out some on the left and right side. There are no bolts that secure this area just the 5 inner door panel retainers and the 3 screws that holds the door plate control
The best fix for this is picking up a pair of right angle "L" shaped brackets. You take the screw out on top that is holding the stabilizer pad being careful to hold the pad in place with one hand and not let it move, put screw through the "L" bracket and then return the screw back. You may need to grab pliers and bend the "L" slightly inward. Easy few minute fix that require zero cutting, drilling, or modification to the car. I think it was like $2 in the hardware store for the brackets. I did it years ago when someone made a step by step with pictures on here and I've had no problems ever since. Some people get a nut and bolt and add a second bracket to the front where there is a cut out matching the pad cutout. I did this just to be sure it wasn't going anywhere but it was probably overkill.
The best fix for this is picking up a pair of right angle "L" shaped brackets. You take the screw out on top that is holding the stabilizer pad being careful to hold the pad in place with one hand and not let it move, put screw through the "L" bracket and then return the screw back. You may need to grab pliers and bend the "L" slightly inward. Easy few minute fix that require zero cutting, drilling, or modification to the car. I think it was like $2 in the hardware store for the brackets. I did it years ago when someone made a step by step with pictures on here and I've had no problems ever since. Some people get a nut and bolt and add a second bracket to the front where there is a cut out matching the pad cutout. I did this just to be sure it wasn't going anywhere but it was probably overkill.
My 1996 door panels seem to stick out some on the left and right side. There are no bolts that secure this area just the 5 inner door panel retainers and the 3 screws that holds the door plate control
About a year and a half ago, I decided to tackle the broken ribs in the door panels of my 96.
I too had the gap at the back of the door between the panel and the door structure.
So after I repaired the ribs I noticed a tab at the rear of the door structure that could be used for an attachment screw for the door panel.
I went to Lowes and found a plastic insert that fit in the slot in the tab and an automotive screw and washer. After I got the hardware installed, for me it looks like the screw should have been there all along.
So after I repaired the ribs I noticed a tab at the rear of the door structure that could be used for an attachment screw for the door panel.
I went to Lowes and found a plastic insert that fit in the slot in the tab and an automotive screw and washer. After I got the hardware installed, for me it looks like the screw should have been there all along.
That is exactly how my '84 is built! Did GM save a nickle on the '96's by eliminating this screw? What year did they eliminate this screw?
About a year and a half ago, I decided to tackle the broken ribs in the door panels of my 96.
I too had the gap at the back of the door between the panel and the door structure.
So after I repaired the ribs I noticed a tab at the rear of the door structure that could be used for an attachment screw for the door panel.
I went to Lowes and found a plastic insert that fit in the slot in the tab and an automotive screw and washer. After I got the hardware installed, for me it looks like the screw should have been there all along.
Hope this helps.
Larry
Larry it looks great, do you remember where you found this part at Lowes?
Larry it looks great, do you remember where you found this part at Lowes?
They have bins just inside the main door of our Lowes that contain regular hardware (wood screws, machine screws etc). Among all those bins are some labeled specialty and/or automotive hardware. If you cant find it there, then look at one of the catalog websites such as Mid America Motor Works , Corvette America etc.
Larry
I had the same problem at the top and back of my door panels. My fix was to trim the weather strip at the top/back that was holding the panel up. While holding the panel down and in I just put a screw through the panel and into the tab shown in the above reply. I painted the head of the screw black so you really have to look to see it. Total cost $.32.
About a year and a half ago, I decided to tackle the broken ribs in the door panels of my 96.
I too had the gap at the back of the door between the panel and the door structure.
So after I repaired the ribs I noticed a tab at the rear of the door structure that could be used for an attachment screw for the door panel.
I went to Lowes and found a plastic insert that fit in the slot in the tab and an automotive screw and washer. After I got the hardware installed, for me it looks like the screw should have been there all along.
Hope this helps.
Larry
I did the rib repair also on my 1995 coupe and I also noticed that tab. I am thinking that the tab was used on pre 1994 door panels. I thought about puting a hole in the door panel and using the tab but my panels are on tight now, so I did not bother. Using the tap can not hurt.
Door panels
