Removing and Installing Upper and Lower Door Panels **NEW**

Tools and supplies:

• Fir Tree Removal Tool, available from DMC part # J99000

• # 2 screw driver

• # 3 screw driver

• 10 mm socket, extension and ratchet

NOTE: the upper door panel must always be removed before removing the lower door panel, and the lower door panel must be in place before reinstalling the upper door panel.

Steps:

Removing the Upper Door Panel

1. Begin the removal process first by lowering the drop glass all the way down.

2. Using your fingers, feel along the very top of the door panel to locate the fir trees. The upper door panel is held on primarily by 7 fir trees, one semi circular retaining strap and 2 tabs along the bottom. 
   
   

3. From outside the car, insert the fir tree tool under the panel. Begin inserting the tool fork around the fir tree and lifting up. It is better to lift each fir tree up a small amount then move to the next one. Too much force can damage the panel. You need to try and lift the panel up evenly.

4. The fir trees on each end of the panel are not possible to reach with the fir tree tool. You can use a long screw driver or pry bar to reach these.

5. Sometimes it’s possible to use your fingers on the inside to assist in freeing the panel. Lift the panel up, freeing the fir trees and the lower locating tabs.

6. Pull the panel forward so the retaining clip clears the rear door post.

Removing the Lower Door Panel

1. Start by removing the escutcheons. Instructions for removal and installation of our upgraded escutcheons are provided separately.

2. After removing the escutcheons, use a right angle pick to remove the mirror switch on the drivers and/or the blanking cap on the passenger door.

3. Look down inside the panel and locate the 2 bolts holding the pull handle on. You can access these with a 10 mm socket, extension and ratchet (On rare occasions these may be Philips head screws). Removing these releases the pull handle. The grab handle may or may not fall out at this point. Do not try and force it out as it can remain with the lower door panel.

4. Using a # 2 and # 3 screw driver, remove the 5 screws retaining the upper edge of the lower door panel.(See photo below)
   
   
   
   

5. Now using the fir tree tool, pry free the lower 6 fir trees while holding the panel to stop it from falling.

6. Lower the panel away from the door.

Installing the Lower Door Panel

1. To install the lower panel, first position the screw holes along the upper edge and the fir trees over their respective holes. Bump the fir trees into their proper holes - a rubber mallet can be used on all fir trees to get them seated fully. Wrap a cloth around the mallet to protect the interior fabric.

2. Install the screws in place. 

3. Now you can install the two 6mm bolts securing the pull handle. You will need to apply pressure to the pull handle to align the screw holes 

Installing the Upper Door Panel

1. To install the upper panel, first slip the retaining clip into the rear B post, and align the fir tree and lower locating tabs.

2. Bump the upper fir trees into place while keeping the locating tabs aligned with the slots in the lower panel. This can be a bit tricky. Keep the upper fir trees aligned by looking from the outside, and keep the lower tabs aligned by looking from the inside. Be careful not to jam the front tab into the A/C vent as this can happen if you don't keep a close watch on the alignment while fitting the fir trees.

3. Install the mirror switch or blanking cap, then install the escutcheon.