So, I'm eagerly awaiting my new 98-02 towing mirrors (thanks mopar-or-no-car) to arrive in the mail, and I figured now would be a good time to figure out how to remove the door panel on my truck.

I've torn apart my share of door panels for installing speakers and whatnot, but never any manual roll-up types like on my 96 that these towing mirrors are going on. Is there some trick, or special tool that I need to get that window handle off so I can remove the door panel, or is it a pop off style attachment that I just need to pull real hard on.

Anyhoo, any insight would be appreciated.

 

There is a U clip on the inside of window handle.
Push door panel inward to expose handle mount, you will see a metal clip that secures handle. It a large U shaped clip, get some good thin needlenose players and pull it out while holding door panel inward still.

BTW, I installed several tow mirrors, and you can actually do it without pulling panel out.
Just take the screw off the corner of the panel and you will have enough clearance to work, you might have to pop a couple of the plastic retainers to get more clearance, but that should be enough. 3 10mm nuts hold the mirror in place, remove them, disconnect power connector and you're done. Re-install doing the opposite.
It will take approx 10 minutes each side.
If you don't have the metal backplates you can use very large washers to distribute pressure on the door, I did it on my 1st truck and worked great for over 110,000miles, then sold the truck.....

 

Good deal. Thanks Valv

 

Even easier you can use a rag to hook one end of the horseshoe clip and rotate it off

Bob

 

I agree with valv you can swap the mirrors with the door panels on. But its not to hard to take them off either. The first time I took the mirrors off I took the door panels off but the second time I took the mirrors off I just pulled back the top corner. So which ever way works for ya. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Windo...2em118Q2el1247 This is what the remover thing looks like you can probably get one at a local auto parts store.

 

The plastic christmas tree clips that hold the panels on are a one time use deal...Once you pull them out, they either break or won't hold to good anymore. I just pulled the panels on my 95' to Install speakers. The Fastener Warehouse sells them for 5.50 for a bag of 25. Dealer wanted over 3.00 for each one!

 

You think $3.00 each is bad. I went to the dealer and they wanted $8.75 a piece. After I talked to them for a bit they said I cold have them for $5.50 a piece. They only had four, I bought them just becouse but I shouldn't have. Then I went to the auto parts store and got some there which were like $2 a pack.

 

Got the mirrors installed. Look great! Ended up just popping off the corner like yall suggested. Would have only taken about 5 minutes per side, but I was doing it in the dark with horrible tools. Anyhoo, post up some pictures tomorrow.

 

Good to here they worked out well for ya. Was there any brokerage fees or anything?

 

Nope. Came home to find it sittin on my front porch.