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Handbasket
Jul 14, 2014Explorer
I quickly Googled 'removing inner door panel, old Dodge van' and got about 900,000 hits. Some on page 1 were for minivans, but at least there's some stuff out there.
My general procedure is to find the screws that hold the armrest and inside latch handle surround on and remove them. Then I slide a wide, flat prying tool into the seam between the door and panel, and start gently prying. This usually tells me where the retaining clips are, and I can start prying (gently!!) as close to them as possible. It's not the way a mechanic does it, but it has worked for me in the past.
There are also sometimes special removal tools available from big box auto stores (at least, used to be) that will do a better job of preserving the panel & clips, but I think they tend to be brand & era specific.
Jim, "Strong, like a bull. Smart, like a fence post."
My general procedure is to find the screws that hold the armrest and inside latch handle surround on and remove them. Then I slide a wide, flat prying tool into the seam between the door and panel, and start gently prying. This usually tells me where the retaining clips are, and I can start prying (gently!!) as close to them as possible. It's not the way a mechanic does it, but it has worked for me in the past.
There are also sometimes special removal tools available from big box auto stores (at least, used to be) that will do a better job of preserving the panel & clips, but I think they tend to be brand & era specific.
Jim, "Strong, like a bull. Smart, like a fence post."
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