Hi all,

Trying to check the window tracks to help glass go up and down more easily on my '72 98 2-door. Not sure how to remove door panel(s) as well as rear seat panels. I’ve removed the screws I found, 1 on each side of upper panel, one on armrest, 2 behind door release handle and one at forward edge of power window chrome piece…. Do I now use my flat panel removal tool and gently pry out the lower edge of the bottom panel?

I think it’s time to find a Body manual to go with my CSM.

Thanks all,

Jay

 

It would help if you would provide what model.

 

I'm such a putz. Just added it. It's a '72 98 2-door..... :-)

 

I got my Fisher Body Manual, but it doesn't seem to show me how to safely/properly remove the door panel on my 2-door 98. Same for the rear windows - no doors, but just how to get at the window tracks. Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

On a 1971 Cutlass Supreme, after removing the obvious hardware e.g. door arm rest, door handle, remote mirror escutcheon/cable, the edges of each door panel have ~5-6 screws holding the bottom of the door panel to the door frame. The remaining edges of the door panel are held/fastened to the door frame w/ push-in clips attached to the backside of the door panel. These clips attached to the backside of the door panel surround the entire edge of the door panel. The door panel is then fastened to the door frame by pushing each clip into a boss hole located in the door frame. Have you tried to search under some key terms such as "door panel" (include quotes)? If yours is similar, you should be able to (maybe use a screwdriver) lift an edge and visualize the clips.

 

They look like...

 

I'll note it is not required to have the special tool...use some ingenuity. Here is a typical door panel removal/installation.

 

I don't know. I just reviewed my 1971 Fisher Body Service Manual and Section 6 has illustrations for door panel removal in the front of Section 6. Maybe you're struggling w/ the weather-strip removal? I can't speak specifically to a 1972 98 door panel but the illustrations are rather straight forward. Maybe the video (above) might provide some visualization insights.

 

As I recall, there are screws underneath each side of the pull strap in the upper door panel and 5 to 6 screws securing the lower door panels in my 71 98. I don't recall any push fasteners like the ones shown above or like the plastic ones in the door panels of my 96 98.

 

Jesse - Yeah, regarding the door straps. I forgot about those, at least on mine, there is an escutcheon which slides off the end of each door strap with a screw underneath used to attach the door strap. Good recall.

 

You guys are awesome, thank you. (Not sure why it didn't jump out at me in the Door section of section 6 in the body manual). But I believe I have most of the screws out - just need to get those cosmetic end covers of the strap(s) off and then the other little clips. Just want to make sure I don't do it WRONG!!!!

 

Don't know if your escutcheons are same. Notice the underside of the escutcheon - it basically clips on as you can witness the four tabs. Probably a very small screwdriver to gently lift/pry them off.

 

Been so long ago since I did my door panel(s) rebuild - come to think about it, I'm not sure the door strap even needs to be removed - may be different on the 98; but, IIRC, there's a backing plate on the backside of the door panel itself which holds the strap in place? Heck, been too long ago.

EDIT: Thinking about, I'm most likely wrong. The door panel isn't strong enough most likely to support constant pulling on the strap. Oh well.

 

Great inputs, and thanks for the pics - wasn't sure how those covers pop off...