Removing Door Panels: Datsun 280Z

Disclaimer: Squirrel Gonzo is not a licensed mechanic. Any reader who attempts to work on their vehicle does so at his or her own risk. Squirrel Gonzo is not responsible for any damage or destruction of any vehicle, property or person that may occur.

Tools Used:

-Phillips Head Screwdriver

-Flat Head Screwdriver

Step One: With the Door open,-use the Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the door handle back plate in place, remove the back plate and put it aside.(You won't need it again until you reinstall the door panel later.)

Step Two: Gently move the tab covering the screw at the top of the armrest down until the screw is exposed. If needed, you can use the flat head screwdriver to gently move the tab out of place.

Step Three: Unscrew all three armrest screws and set the armrest aside. (Again, you will not need this until time to reinstall the door panel later.)

Step Four: Now for the painful part. Locate the pin that holds the window crank in place and carefully use the flat head screwdriver to undo it. It can be frustrating but the window crank should be easily removable once you get the pin unsettled. DO NOT LOOSE THE PIN ONCE IT HAS BEEN REMOVED!

(NOTE: There may be some plastic rivets that need to be undone prior to being able to lift the door panel up and out, however this is as simple as pulling. Just make sure not to damage any plastic rivets while removing the door panel.)

Step Five: The door panel can be removed by lifting the panel up and out. Make sure that any and every part removed is stored where it can't be lost, as they will be needed once you decide to reinstall the door panels.

(NOTE: After removing the door panel, I careful put the screws back in place. This usually helps me prevent losing any convalescent parts as well as to remember what screws go where later on.)

I hope this helps and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Gonzo-Out.