Getting the door pannels off and other questions

[Pdwight]

OK, So I have a new AM/FM CD/MP3/WMF/Ipod ready head on its way to me, along with the correct wiring harness to bypass the Bose System in my 94 Limited. I also have 4 new 6X8 Speakers to go in the front and back doors. My question is how difficult is it to get the door panels off and not damage them ?? any tips??? and the panel in the back to install the Amp bypass. I ordered a set of special tools for removing door panels but it is always good to ask because someone knows a trick or two , or and a better way to get them off so they go back on and look udamaged. I also want some of the foam baffels to go behind the 6X8s to help protect them and Crutchfield is out...any good sources online or just call the local car stero shops ??

Thanks in advance
Dwight P

 

[carlover]

i just recently put new speakers in my ex. my only advice would be to go to your local auto parts store and buy a few boxes of the plastic clips that hold the door panel to the door. they arent really meant to be re-used, and they are cheap.

 

[Zeke]

The doors are easy to pull off. If you don't have a panel puller tool, all you need is a good size screw driver to get the first couple of clips out. Cover the screwdriver in electrical tape so you dont scratch the metal part of the inner door. Once the first few clips come out you can use your hands to pull off the rest of the panel.

 

[DeRocha]

I would pick up a trim removal tool like the one pictured below (under $5 at AutoZone). The shape of the tool allows it to evenly support the push pins and remove them without breakage... I would highly recommend getting one..

 

[LBarr2002]

nobody said anything about the screws... my door panels where busted when I got the truck because somebody didn't know about them and tried to pry the panel off. There are two screws behind the door handle, and a little trim ring around the handle that can be pried out with a screwdriver (if the limited has the same door panels as an XLT). There is another screw in the top corner of the front doors.

 

[hckynck20]

Heres all you have to do to remove a door panel:

1. Remove the 2 screws above the handle (if its a front door also remove the screw at the very top of the door right next to the side mirror
2. Remove the black plastic cover from around the door handle
3. pry at the door around the edges with a flat head screw driver, if its a front door you can sort of pull on the side compartment
4. Pull the door out a little bit to make sure all the clips are undone then lift the door up, you may have to wiggle it around a bit for it to come loose
5. before you pull the door away unscrew/unhook any wires such as the window controls and door locks.

 

[wingot]

its easy, just be patient.

 

[Pdwight]

Got it Done

The best advise I caould give anyone after doing this job is to invest in a 8 dollar pannel/pin remover at Auto Zone or most any car store. The door panels came off and I had the speakers changed out in 1 hour...all 4. Now the Amplifier by pass was another story all on its own, I never sucessfully removed the panel, I pulled the pins, removed the screws, the seatbelt retainer and still could not get the panel all the way off....I did however get it far enought to get the cables unhooked and put in the by pass cable...this probbly took 3 hours and a lot of scratched up hands and a lot of talking about its "mother"

Bottom line after the new install I couldnt he happier with the way it sounds, I thought the original Bose system sounded good but this is just great...nothing out of the ordinary, just 4 new panasonic 3 way door speakers and a Kenwood deck and thats all......did I say I love it...158 songs in MP3 format on 1 15 cent CD....who needs a 10 CD changer.

Thanks for all your help

Dwight P