door trim removal and cleaning lock/latch hardware

[kensmith]

I find the door latching and locking to be somewhat stiff/binding. I would like to remove the door trim panels and clean everything to get them in better working order. Then white grease all moving hardware. Any recommendations on this subject? Are there any tricks to getting the trim panels off? Special tools needed? Thanks!

[baltobernie]

There is a special flat tool for removing the C-clip on the window winder. This tool is universal, and available everywhere. Everything else should be Phillips.

[kensmith]

There is a special flat tool for removing the C-clip on the window winder. This tool is universal, and available everywhere. Everything else should be Phillips.

Are there any clips that can not be seen?

[baltobernie]

All the clips around the circumference of the panel are hidden. They are flat spring types, that form an arrowhead when inserted in to the door frame. If you pinch the "shaft" of the "arrow", the two points retract enough to remove the fastener from the door.

[azruss]

the only hidden clip is for the window handle. you can use the tool or use a stiff wire with a very tight hook in the end. slide it under the door handle opposite the arm. there is a small gap where you can hook the clip and pull it off. Its all done by feel. remove the 3 screws in the arm rest. the bottom 2 will require a large diameter phillips. the upper one requires removing the "chrome" plastic piece at the end of the trim. this just pulls out. there is a phillips screw behind that. once the panel is loose, it requires lifting as it hooks on the top of the window channel. having the window down helps. might want to think about lubing the window cable wheels while you are in there. also clean the water drain holes in the bottom of the door. if you see a bunch of rust in the bottom of the door, clean it has best you can and spray a rust converter on and repaint.

[kensmith]

Perfect.........thanks guys. Great help here on the forum. !!!!

[azruss]

the hook needs to go between the handle and the plastic washer. you can separate the 2 with a flat screwdriver, slide the hook in flat and then rotate the hook 90 degrees to catch the clip. the space between the handle and the clip is about 1/4" or less.

[azruss]

this may help clarify what you are going after.

[kensmith]

THANKS !!!!

[kensmith]

All the clips around the circumference of the panel are hidden. They are flat spring types, that form an arrowhead when inserted in to the door frame. If you pinch the "shaft" of the "arrow", the two points retract enough to remove the fastener from the door.

Are these clips available to purchase? I took the driver door trim off and there were no clips at all. Just the plugs in the door shell and holes in the cardboard trim panel where the studs use to be. Also, what is the best spray lube for the latch, lock, and window rollers? I was going to squirt some PB Blaster to clean them and then maybe spray some WD40 or silicone. There was also some kind of thick round filler between the trim panel and the door shell that goes around the window crank. It fell apart when the trim came off. Almost looks like some kind of foam that has hardened over the years. I wonder if any of these can be purchased to replace? The shell itself has NO rust anywhere including at the drain holes. Hope the passenger door is as nice!

[baltobernie]

The clips often pull out of the (rotted) door cardboard when a PO attempts to remove the panel. I don't know of a source for the OE clips, but I betcha you could find an Internet site selling all things interior trim related, including that spacer foam on your car which disintegrated. Here's your chance to be a contributor; measure the dimensions of the receiving hole, contact a supplier, and let us know what you found. I hope to be renewing mine next Winter, and would appreciate the info.

[manoa matt]

The substance around the door handle and winder mechanism is a substance similar to plumbers putty. It is there to prevent any water that gets into the door from mitigating to the masonite panel. Replace it with plumbers putty.

I have enough of those door clips and the sheet metal receivers to do two door panels if you are interested in them send me an email.

PB blaster or Water Displacement formula #40 are both going to dry out in a week or so. Look for some marine grade lithium grease.

[kensmith]

email sent

[surfingfreeman]

Have you thoroughly inspected your door hinges for any fatigue/cracking as this can translate into improper alignment of door latch mechanism. I still need to get my driver-side base to which the hinge mounts welded.

[mik]

Midwest Bayless has these clips, $1.89