4 piece aluminum door install

[gabf1]

Hope this is the right place to post.

I want to thank you Loren for all the neat tips. For easy install:

time required: approx 1-2 hrs depending on how comfortable you are with modding your car.

tools required:

1. torx 10 socket and screwdriver. Some areas are fairly tight and require an end piece that will fit a 1/4 inch socket or monkey wrench

2. 1/4 inch drive with 1/4 inch socket

3. 1/4 inch monkey wrench

4. optional: phillips screwdriver

1. refer to the instructions on door panel removal; the diagrams are very helpful.

2. to remove the door handle, i recommend lifting the storage lid on the door first and then gently prying the panel off as seen in the diagram. It was fairly firmly placed in my car, but persistent and gentle nudging resulted in popping off the whole piece.

3. to remove the lid from the door storage container, the lid must be open. Use the torx wrench/screwdriver to remove approx 12 bolts. Some screws are seated in very tight areas that only give you 1-2 inches of play so a socket with a torx 10 is the only way to go here. The lid will lift right off.

4. Optional. My original storage lid contained a small nick near the center of the piece where it abuts the door panel. This was due to a plastic phillips screw which is designed to hold the door panel in place. since I was concerned that this would scratch the aluminum piece, I removed the screws before installing the new parts. I found no looseness or lack of integrety of the door panel. Too soon to tell if it will rattle but worth the risk. I did not want to scratch up my new aluminum trim.

5. The door handle piece is easily aligned and presses in nicely for a firm fit.

6. The storage container lid is also easily replaced however there are two things to be careful with. 1) the new piece is plastic, same as the old, and you need to thread the screws, so try and keep the alignment at a 90 degree angle when starting them so when they're tight, they sit flush. 2) since your dealing with plastic be careful not to tighten them too tight as you can easily strip the thread.

good luck :D :D :D

[Loren]

Great job! :clapping:

Do you have any pics?

(I moved this to the DIY section)

[gabf1]

sorry, no pics. will be attempting to install aluminum lood air vents, dash strips and the rear center console over the next few weeks as the parts come in and will bring the camera.

thanks again Loren.

Geoff