Auto body repair & detailing: door panel removal, power window switch, flat screwdriver

Question
I need to remove the driver's side front door panel on a 1993 Lincoln Towncar in order to replace the rollers in the power window mechanism. I have a Haynes manual for this car but it only tells WHAT to do, not HOW to do it. It says there are some hidden screws that I have to remove, but doesn't give a clue as to their location. Also it says to remove the door (opening) handle but doesn't say how to do this. Any available help would be appreciated.gnxh4

Answer
Most door interior trim panels are held on with only a couple screws and about 10 or so plastic push-in clips. The screws are normally located in and around the arm rest area and the push-in clips are laid out around the perimeter of the trim panel. First try to locate the screws and remove them. You may have to remove some small plastic trim pieces around the interior door handle or pull up the power window switch in order to access these screws. I wish I knew the exact location of every screw of every car, but that's impossible. You basically have to just look for them. After the screws are out you need to pry the trim panel away from the door just slightly so that you can see behind it. See if you can see the plastic clips that hold the trim panel on. Also, some trim panels just lift straight up and don't use plastic clips. They have plastic tabs that slip into metal grooves in the door itself, I think that's mostly on Ford vehicles, so yours may be designed this way, so check to be sure before you pry too hard on the trim panel. From here, assuming that your trim panel is held on by clips, you'll need to pry each clip away from the door itself. If you have a flat screwdriver or a very strong spatula or something like that you should be able to pull them out without damaging the clips or the trim panel. Be very careful, because it is very easy to damage the trim panel if you're not careful. Once you've got all the clips loose the trim panel should move around pretty freely. It'll probably still be connected by the wiring to the power window switch and possibly by the linkage to the interior door handle. You may be able to slip the power window switch and door handle through the trim panel, but if not they'll need to be disconnected. Once the trim panel is removed you should be able to see all the bolts for the window regulator. I hope this helps. If you need any further assistance feel free to let me know.