Auto body repair & detailing: side view mirror, chev malibu, interior panel

Question
i need to replace the mirror on the head of my side mirror, to remove the head on a 2003 chev malibu, do I need to remove the inside or outside panels of the door

Answer
You will probably need to remove the interior panel, if not to access the bolts directly, to un-plug the wire harness. You might get lucky, and there be just a plate covering the 3 nuts holding it on, and the wire harness may possibly have a wire clip that comes apart where you can reach it without taking off the entire interior panel. carefully insert a stiff putty knife between the cover and the body, and gently pry outwards. If it only partially releases without forcing, it's permanently attached to the interior panel, and the entire panel will need removed. If it comes right off, pull the wire harness up until you see a plug. If it won't come out far enough for you to see a plug, you will need to remove the interior panel. Bill