Door panel removal on a 97 Silverado pickup

[DARK AGE 53]

I found one thread on how to remove the panel, a reply reads.

1 take 2 7mm screws out near handle
2 pop lock cover off take screw out there
3 pop triangle cover off
4 pull up on window switch cover and unplug it
5 lift door panel off and thats it


Number 2 is my question, I'm afraid if I pry on that plastic piece too much it will break. What's the the best way to remove the plastic cover?

Thanks,
Al

[east302]

Al,

Try this link...

http://www.jimmijammer.com/88-98%20GM%20Tutorial.htm

Hope this helps,
Scott

[TaNK_Em]

East302, Great find you have there lots of information, If anyone needs it the name for the plastic white pieces are called Christmas trees just ask for that at the auto parts store they should know what your talking about.

- Kevin

[east302]

Kevin's got a good point, go ahead and get some of those plastic clips because they're really easy to break. Once they break, the panel tends to creak and shift when you pull the door closed.

[DARK AGE 53]

Thanks for the link Scott, it looks like the only thing holding me back now is to remove the shroud around the inside door handle ( the handle is what needs to be replace ). Again, thanks everyone for the replies, I'll let you know how it goes.

[DARK AGE 53]

Door panel is off, now wait a minute..... I'm not done asking for help yet.

The question now is, how do I remove the door handle assembly without breaking or screwing something else up. Picture enclosed.

Again, thanks.

[abaird]

I had to replace the door handle on my 97 too. It seemed easy but I can't remember exactly how. Since the handle is sold as an assembly, you don't need to worry about breaking it any more. I think there a couple rivets that hold it in place.

[Lurch25]

My instructions said :
"Drill out the rivet head using a 5-mm (3/16-inch) drill bit.
Slide handle forward."

I thought I grabbed the 3/16 bit, but it was larger. I had a devil of a time finding a rivet large enough to take it's place. Please be sure you have the right drill bit.

The replacement handle assy had a different color background than my truck. If you're real careful, you can swap out the new metal handle into your old plastic piece.

[DARK AGE 53]

Originally Posted by Lurch25

My instructions said :
"Drill out the rivet head using a 5-mm (3/16-inch) drill bit.
Slide handle forward."

I thought I grabbed the 3/16 bit, but it was larger. I had a devil of a time finding a rivet large enough to take it's place. Please be sure you have the right drill bit.

The replacement handle assy had a different color background than my truck. If you're real careful, you can swap out the new metal handle into your old plastic piece.

I see one rivet at the bottom, thanks for all the help guys.