Hi, two questions. how do i get the window handle off, thing won't budge and i don't want to break it.

2nd question. the top of the door panel seems to be glues to the door, just a thin strip of vinyl. is that correct or is it somehow being held in place, clips or clamp or something. want to remove both door panels completely. i can get the actual inside door handle off and the arm rest and can get all the clips undone, just window handle is stopping me from completely freeing it. my manual just says "remove it" no other clues.

many thanks

 

You need a door handle remover tool it is held on to the door by a c shaped spring. the panel should lift out after the handle is off be careful not to destroy or pull out the spring clips that hold the panel to the door frame. Good luck with it.

 

Here's a pic to show the clip holding the window crank on. I use a screwdriver to push the edge of the clip from one side until it is cocked - the handle will come right off - if you don't want to buy the tool. Most auto parts stores sell the tool fyi.

http://www.focushacks.com/images/windowcrank.jpg

 

thanks for the quick answers, guys. what about the top strip of the door panel itself. it seems to be glues to the actual door.

 

It is not glued to the door - once you have the window crank off and all of the clips pulled out of the door (the ones that you must be careful to not rip out of the old panel) then you pull the bottom of the panel out away from the door and lift the whole panel up - the top of the panel has a bend in it which clips to the top of the door.

 

If all the rubber weatherstrip is off the door, the panel should lift off. It does sort of clip on to the top of the doorframe. In the past, I try to get one side free at first by pulling out from the bottom of the panel, so that it is at an angle and then pushing up. once the front or rear is free, it is easier to get the other half. It takes a bit of a trick but it comes off. Pushing the door lock down with the **** removed helps too

 

Sorry forgot to mention the clips holding the panel to the door. There is a tool for these as well that helps removing the panel without damaging the clips or the cardboard on the back of the panel. It looks like a forked bent screw driver.

 

Having the window down will help in lifting the door panel top rail up, as the rail needs to be pushed in at the same time it is lifted.

 

great, thanks again everyone. i already have the tool to get the clips along the side of the door free. Will look into that other tool to get the window handle off.

Cheers!