Loose Door Panels...finally Pics!
 

Ok as I promised here are the pics on how to properly fix the loose panel...so I went out to home depot bought 12 (L) shaped brackets and folded them together but yet enough to (TAP) them into place on the extended groove of the exposed door. You DON'T need to remove your entire panel...Here's how I did it. Close the door with the window rolled down and push the loose door panel towards the seat. Then simply take 3 brackets and insert them one at a time on the extended (LIP) sticking up on the door...When you fold the (L) brackets in half, pinch them tight enough so you have to tap them into place lightly with a small hammer. You DON'T need to be rough with it. Hold on to the (L) bracket tightly or you will lose it in the door and that means more work. So place one bracket on either side of the lip and one in the middle. Then you will have to pull up hard on the door panel to lift it over the brackets and then it will fit snug in over the bracket and walla! I have pictures but I can't post them...So if you need help I can send them to you...Total repair time per door..5 minutes. Total cost $15.00....$14.00 case of beer $1.00 for 12 brackets! Enjoy!


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79..._/dbef88e8.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79..._/db0c1dca.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79..._/e257dae5.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79..._/e257dae5.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79..._/PICT0245.jpg

Wow beer is cheap where you live
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BTW good job :cheers:

A pic of the bracket in place would be great. Otherwise, great job.
Gonna have to try this! :)

Or maybe just some clear pictures... ;)

YIKES...I tried to be clear as can be....But I will see what I can do.

Thanks man. :cheers:

I'm still not getting it (maybe I'm just stupid :crazy: ), but what do they mean by "tap" it into place?? Do they mean like to weld tap them? If so, it doesn't do me much good since I don't have a spot welder. Also what are they holding onto when you just "pull the panel back over them"? These are the most vague intructions I have ever seen (hell, it didn't even say what size braces that are needed). :willy:

I would be suprised to find someone more stupid than I am. I just posted the link to the thread I started some while back because the pics were clearer than HOOBS' were (no offense HOOBS). The pics of the brackets were taken on an index card, that should clue you in on the size of em. They are bent over so friction will hold them in place on the pinch weld of the door frame. As for tapping them in place, I think a 20lb. sledge hammer would suffice, but a smaller instrument would be more prudent.

Thanks. After reading it about 100 times...I THINK that I finally understand it!
:party:

Easy this looks. Try it I must. Better than taking the panel off and trying to fix the crack.

Thanks for the help! I knew you would save me one way or another uncle BOB! :rofl: :thumbs:

:iagree: with Yoda here. And dndrsn's clearer pics (especially of the brackets) are helpful as well...thanks!

Alas the fix did not work. My panel has too big a crack in it. Looks like I'm going to have to pull it and melt the crack together, then glass it for strenth. If ALL else fails a new panel is in order. Never had this prob with any car I've owned, even the old ones. Not happy.