Okay I read different instructions on door panel removals but I'm not even close to getting it off. I read vette essential's instructions, and some other DIY instructions on the forum.

I got the reflector and bezel around door lock off already. But when I try to put my hand in the door reflector hole and pull, it doesn't move at all. I'm literally sitting on my garage floor (with my leg against door) and pulling it until my fingers turn purple.

Is there something wrong with my door panel or what? Any tips on a better way to pull?

GM stuff is supposed to be cheap! It's not supposed to be THIS secure.

 

there are 2 bolts behind the part you hold on too. Take off the piece around the door handle. Not sure whats left but hope I helped. Good Luck

 

Look at this, it may help
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...w-problem.html

 

Be sure you didn't forget to take off those two bolts. They are just behind that little 3" long access cover. They are Torx bolts. T25 is the size I think.

If you have:

-Reflector pulled off (which technically isn't even necessary; it just gives you an additional place to pull from);

-Door handle / lock bezel removed

-Two bolts removed from behind the door pull

Then the panel is free except for the six retaining pins and the clip along the window base. At this point: If you cannot remove the panel by pulling (and if the panels have never been off, it can be HARD to remove them), the other possibility exists that the previous owner may have glued the retaining pins. In which case, you're in for some fun.

Study the locations of those six pins, and pull sharply from as close to those locations as possible. Sometimes a quick jerk works better than a sustained, hard pull. I use a screwdriver with a rag around it, to gently pry the panel foward enough to get my fingers underneath. Then, I pull sharply forward with one hand while bracing the door with the other. I always start with the aft lower corner of the door panel; seems to work better for me than starting anywhere else. Once you get the first pin(s) loose, it's immensely easier to get the rest; just work your away along the edge, popping each pin as you go. Once all six are loose, pull the panel away from the door a few inches before lifting it up and off the top of the door. Otherwise you can break pins that might still be partially in their cavities.

Also: Do not pull the panel away too quick, once freed, because there are wires running to the window / lock switches that need to be disconnected.

 

I did. That's the problem. I'm stuck on pulling the panel off part. I got all the other little stuff off. I don't have that pryer thing (nor does it matter, because there is NO gap between the panel and door, so I can't even stick it in).

 

Dont pull to hard or you will rip it off in one shot and break all the retainers.

Get a pry bar used for audio installs and gently pull it off one retainer at a time.

 

Forgot to add also... did you try removing the other door panel? It might be easier, and give you some practice for going back to try the problematic one.

 

don't take the car apart yet... go drive it.

 

way to nice out to be ripping stuff apart, drive it mang!!!

 

Pulling from the center could split the panel

 

No no. I'm having the window problem. I was told I need to get inside the panel and tap the motor. I tried slamming the door already. It's driving me nuts, a $40K car has window issues...

 

Yep I have all those things removed already. I don't have big hands and I can barely get more than 1 hand in the hole. It's just not pulling off at all. I'll try to jerk it a bit more.

I don't think the panels have ever been removed, maybe that's why they are so damn hard to pull off.

 

Try to locate where the pins are, then pull near them on both sides it should "pop" then go around the door. They will come off

 

all good advice good luck

 

The first time I removed my panels, they were so tight against the door I could not even get my fingers under the edge of the panel.
You have to get leverage under the fastener to get it to start coming off. I put masking tape under the edge of the panel to protect the paint. Then I used a heavy duty putty knife to reach between the part of the fastener in the panel, and the part in the door. (even a screwdriver or a door panel tool are too thick to get in between the panel and the door until it is released a little) I started in the lower rear corner so I could use the putty knife around the edge of the door and reach through the reflector opening to apply a little more pull.
Once you get the corner started, work your way along the door to the next fastener. Once you get the panel away from the door a little, then you can see to get the putty knife under each fastener.
If you try to pry too hard without being right under the fastener, you can pull the head of the fastener out of the door panel. Then you will have to repair that before you can put it back on. IF you do it right, you should not break anything. I actually got all mine off without breaking anything.

 

you need to focus, Mr. Miyagi style

I remember the first time, it is tough to seperate

 

Thanks for the tips.

lol You seem surprised that you didn't break anything. I thought it was supposed to come off without you replacing parts.

 

If you have a harbor freight near buy these work really well they are thin just a little thicker than a putty knife but still allow you to pry and as far as door and trim pieces go it was the best 17 bucks I ever spent.

and here is the link
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99739

 

I looked at this set before. They have another set that doesn't have the huge "U" shape (the biggest one). Does this set offer any advantage over that one? Does the U one really help?

I may just pick up a set if I don't make any progress tomorrow. I can't believe pulling a door panel is going to be days-long project

 

Mine came off pretty easy the (2) times I had to replace my passenger window regulator. I hope I never have to pop the driver's side off unless it's for a stereo upgrade. Best of luck.