72 door panel installation

[Mike E.]

Before I tackle this on my wife's 72--(power windows)--what's the sequence? Put the panel on and then install the inner door release handles? If so, any tricks to getting those to slide on? Or do you install those first and then the panel? If so, any tricks to getting the panel over the top metal edge of the door? I'm a rookie on these!

[Don L.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

Mike, I've done it both ways and find it easier to install the door panel OVER the (installed) inner door handle. To make things as easy as possible - cause that's the way I am - I hold the door handle all the way OUT with one hand and slide the door panel over the handle with my other 2 hands .

The more you can extend the door handle, the easier it is to get the panel over the handle and into place.

I hope this helps and I hope this also works for you.

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

On our 68 and 70 whenever I removed a door panel I opened the door handle lever and removed the securing screw. I let the handle close and then slipped it out. This is what I remember, it has been more than 20 years since I have removed a door panel from our 68 or 70.
My 68 has roll up windows and the 70 has power windows.
Don't know what you are doing Mike, but with a door panel off, cleaning the metal tracks and putting new lubricant in the tracks will make a difference.

[James B.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

As for manuvering the door panel in place over the top metal edge, I've found it easier with the window rolled down.

[Bill L.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

I do it the same way with the handle on.

I use blue tape to cover the metal to keep from scratching the bezel and handle.

Bill

[Don L.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

I do it the same way with the handle on.

I use blue tape to cover the metal to keep from scratching the bezel and handle.

Bill

Thanks for pointing out the tape Bill. I should have mentioned that as I too used tape (not sure of color )

If you choose to remove the door handle and then re-install it after the panel is on, be very careful when inserting the handle into the latch assy. The "ears" in the latch that accept the handle are only pot metal and with torsional pressure for insertion, they can break. Don't ask me how I know, 'cause that was my OLD latch assy .

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

If you choose to remove the door handle and then re-install it after the panel is on, be very careful when inserting the handle into the latch assy. The "ears" in the latch that accept the handle are only pot metal and with torsional pressure for insertion, they can break. Don't ask me how I know, 'cause that was my OLD latch assy .

Same here...

[Pat M.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

If you choose to remove the door handle and then re-install it after the panel is on, be very careful when inserting the handle into the latch assy. The "ears" in the latch that accept the handle are only pot metal and with torsional pressure for insertion, they can break. Don't ask me how I know, 'cause that was my OLD latch assy .

Yup.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 door panel installation

Hi,
Don't forget the vapor barrier.
If you do, you'll have two 'opportunities' with the 'ears'!
Regards,
Alan