Remove Door Panels
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
From: Bham, AL
Remove Door Panels
Can anyone tell me how to remove door panels on 1997 F250 with XL trim package? 
I found one screw near lower/front of window. I found one screw in the cushioned part of the armrest but don't know if that has anything to do with it.
Does the panel lift up and out or do I have to pull it straight out at snaps?
The door handle is very stiff so, per other threads here, I'm trying to get inside so I can clean and lube everything.
Thanks for any help.
I found one screw near lower/front of window. I found one screw in the cushioned part of the armrest but don't know if that has anything to do with it.Does the panel lift up and out or do I have to pull it straight out at snaps?
The door handle is very stiff so, per other threads here, I'm trying to get inside so I can clean and lube everything.
Thanks for any help.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Cross Lanes, WV
OK, near as I can remember there is the one screw in forward top corner, under vent glass. The one screw in the cushioned handle. Then there are about 6 around the bottom edge, just in the edge of carpet. Then you get a flat bar or screwdriver behind and pop the plastic anchors out..... pull handle out and slide panel over it. Lift panel up over lock pin and out of window track.... You will likely want to remove power window switch so you can set panel down out of your way... I just take out the screws from window control and push control down thru the hole.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
From: Bham, AL
Ok, that's what I needed to know. I have to "pop the plastic anchors out". Some places refer to lifting panel straight up so must be another model year.
How about the window crank? No power in this truck. Do you know how to remove manual window cranks?
Thanks!
How about the window crank? No power in this truck. Do you know how to remove manual window cranks?
Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 0
asuming the cranks are the same as my 99 ranger was, there is a sneaky cover that you wouldnt notice at first, try and yank at the bottom and it pops up, then theres a screw going into the center at the bottom
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
From: Bham, AL
Thanks all. I'm still having trouble. I removed screw under vent glass, removed cover on window crank and screw under cover but still no give. There are no screws on bottom edge. Keep in mind this is XL trim with no carpet on door. Am I to the point of "yanking" the plastic anchors out? Will they break off? Can I replace if they do?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Humm , well if it's like any other Ford door if you have small fingers and can get under there the you can pull the anchors out. To answer your question, yes, you can yank them out. The issue is you will probably damage the actual panel where the anchors attach to. Once you get it out you will see what I mean.
Best thing to do is get the tool from any parts store .. it's like a slotted screwdriver and that will put all the pressure on the panel and heads on the anchor. It will pop out then you may or may not need new anchors, available also at your parts store.
Best thing to do is get the tool from any parts store .. it's like a slotted screwdriver and that will put all the pressure on the panel and heads on the anchor. It will pop out then you may or may not need new anchors, available also at your parts store.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
From: Bham, AL
OK, good idea, tool at parts store! I guess I'll be able to feel my way around for the anchors and use the tool to pop them out? Can you give me a guesstimate of how many and where they are?
Craig
Craig
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Oh, golly, probably 4-5 per side. You can take a flat blade like a small puddie knife a feel around. Not sure on my current 97 but the 95 I had (460) was 3 on top/ bottom and 4 on each side. I know I totally screwed it up because I did not have the proper tool.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Having had to take my panels off multiple times now, there are 8 of the ribbed door panel anchors that you have to pop out, most likely some of them will break due to age, but you can get replacements that work better, I got mine from O'reilly's. Just start pulling the door panel away at the bottom and work your way up.
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