Auto body repair & detailing: 86 el camino, power window switch, flat screwdriver

Question
i need to replace the inside door handle on my 86 el camino...how do you remove the panel without destroying it?


Answer
Most door interior trim panels are held on with only a couple screws and about 10 or so plastic push-in clips. Your car may have metal clips, but the principle is the same. 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 or metal clips that hold the trim panel on. 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 handle. I hope this helped.