178 Section 2 Nonstructural Repairs
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
On doors with manual windows, the window crank
handle must be removed before the panel can be taken
off. Figure 9-11 shows how to slide the handle removal
tool into place.
On vehicles with power door locks and/or power
windows, the doors contain a wiring harness. You must
disconnect the harnesses connector from the lock and
window switches before removing the door trim panel.
Remember that the plastic clips on the connectors can
be easily broken, especially if they are old.
The front portion of a quarter panel on a two-door
vehicle may be accessible from inside the passenger
compartment. It may be necessary to remove the
rear seat. The trim panel is removed by locating and
removing the screws that hold it in place. Instead of
screws, some vehicles use Velcro pads to hold the trim
panel in place.
For access to the rear portion of the quarter panel,
you must remove the trunk lining. Look at the arrange-
ment of the lining to determine what needs to be
removed first. Often the trim panels are overlapped.
To disassemble, remove the outermost trim panel first.
Then remove those that are underneath.
In some cases, the headliner must be removed
to access damage. The headliner is held in place
by attachments on the roof and by the roof trim.
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Figure 9-8. To remove a plastic rivet, raise the center
stud.
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Figure 9-10. Hood insulation pad clips can be
removed using an upholstery tool.
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Figure 9-9. Removing the headlight assembly will
allow access to the back of this damaged fender.
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Figure 9-11. The window crank handle may be
secured with a clip. A—Slide the handle removal tool
under the handle as shown to release the clip. B—Pull
the crank handle from its shaft.
Center stud Clip removal
tool
Clip removal
tool
A
B
Window
crank
handle
Handle
removal
tool