Audio Systems: Door speaker replacement, plastic retainers, paint scraper

Question
Tom,
I have a 1993 Ford Ranger extended cab and it appears the front speakers have gone bad. The bass on the right speaker is distorted and the left speaker has very little volume. My question is how do I remove the door panels to gain access to the speakers. I have removed all of the hardware (arm rest, screws, mirrow control etc.) and I am able to move the panel up and down however I am unable get the plastic retainers to release. Do you have any secrets with getting them to release. I do not want to pry to hard because it may crack the door panel.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the service you provide.
Jim Williams

Answer
Jim,
To pull/pry the door panels off you can use long screwdriver to get under the retainers and work they out carefully. don't worry about damaging them, you can purchase new ones from your local Ford dealer for about 15 cents ea. The dealer may also have a tool that will help in pulling out the ones that have hardened due to age. I have taken an old heavy duty paint scraper with a head/blade about one inch wide and cut a V in it to place under the hardened retainers to easily remove them.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net