Removing door panel while door is closed?

Has anybody successfully removed a door panel while the door was closed on a 94-96 Roadmaster?

Someone tried to break into my RMW before I bought it and really trashed the metal around the passenger door lock. I put the repair low on my list because it wasn't an issue with remote locking.

But last week one of the rods popped loose and now the door won't open at all.

I am tempted to pop the cylinder out and see if I can fix it from the outside but I doubt I have enough room. So I really need to get the panel loose so I can reattach the rod ( and repair the wood trim on the panel and install a new speaker while it is apart).

I'm thinking I should pull all the screws then try to cut the clips off? Or should I just sawzall the damn thing and look for a replacement panel? I have a red one I could try painting with SEM.

I had to do something similar last spring. Move the seat all the way back and forward, angle the seat back , up and down, whatever can be done to get to the panel. Better is take it out if you can (if it's a bucket) There really aren't that many screws holding it on.

There are a few electrical connections , but they are fairly easy to pop., Usually a tab to press in.

8 inch grinder,. make a 6"x6" square hole just below the lock cylinder,.
then use woodgrain sticker to cover hole,.?

phantom 309 wrote:

8 inch grinder,. make a 6"x6" square hole just below the lock cylinder,.
then use woodgrain sticker to cover hole,.?

Can we make this into a "sticky"?

Tom

There is one screw in the bottom of the panel and the screws for the pull handle the rest are plastic push "christmas trees". A panel removal tool may help you. Jeff

What about calling AAA. Or assuming you can get into the car through another door, drive it to an auto body shop. The last thing you want to do is damage that driver panel as they are very hard to get.

Tom C.

It's the passenger side

If the door is badly damaged from the outside, it may be easier to get another door.

You can get a set of slim jims at Harbor Freight for a paltry sum, and get a freebee if you take a coupon with you. With a slim jim you can hook the offending lever at the latch itself. Lower the window to make it easier.

Ding ding ding, Fred you are brilliant. Off to Harbor Freight!