I did my best to follow the instructions in my manual but it really didn't go as planned. All ripped up and mangled looking when I take it apart and I don't know how to remove the black part that goes along the window. It's been done before but not properly because I see screws missing. Any help would be appreciated. (pics would be great)

I believe the black rubber strip along the window just pulls off. I don't have screws in mine, and I don't believe I've ever seen screws in one before. If there were, they'd risk scratching the glass.

Hmm...I have a piece of mine sticking up and I see holes on the bottom edge where I assume screws or something would go. I just want to do this right the first time when I buy the replacements because I really hate doing interior work.

Mine are the same way, and even though I've never removed them, I did manage to get them to stay down without a screw. I work in a bodyshop and have replaced them before, and they usually don't have screws, even though they have holes.

I bought a spare door for two reasons... to salvage the power lock mechanism out of it, and to learn how to take off that black plastic thing before I ruin mine

I'm not ready to mess with it yet, but when I do I'll post the results

Wait, I forgot I did have to remove it from my parts car. It DOES just pull off. Start from the back and work your way forward.

Technically the trim at the top of the panel stays attached to the panel. There are hooks molded into the plastic trim that key into notches in the inner door. To remove the panel properly without breaking anything, roll the window all the way down. Remove the door crank if equipped, along with the door pull/armrest, and the trim around the door handle. Using a tool carefully work around the edges of the door panel popping the plastic pins out of the door. Be careful because their attachment to the door is probably stronger then the 20 year old cardboard door panel. When the panel is free all the way around the edges, push the top trim towards the window slot while wiggling the panel. Sometimes it helps to start at one end or the other, sometimes it works best to press on the entire length of the trim at once. Don't force it, or it'll break the tabs and or bend up the inner door.

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i am having problems getting the lock part off the door panel.
how is it attached? i cant get the indicator loose from the rod.
anyone know? does it just push through?
this is for power door locks btw

Easy..................
1. Slide the door lock button forward to the unlock position.
2. Take a small screwdriver and put it between the front end of the button
and the trim bezel. (towards the front of the door).
3. pry it out (by the front) gently away from its seated position.
4. It will now pull off the lock rod.............

Make sure you are VERY careful with the screwdriver because it will scrape plastic.

ok, i was pulling and pulling but didnt want to break it.
some cars you can leave it attached and remove the bezel and others you have to pry it off somehow.

i found that if you skip the screwdriver and pull the back part of the slider apart (opening it up) it comes off with a "POP"
i am not big on taking screwdrivers to parts to pry them apart lol.

it took me a while, but the good news is that my door locks move great now and my windows go down about 2-3 seconds faster (after cleaning and greasing everything)
they are still slow going up, but thats another project.

I was wondering about the windows in my sons 1986 Camaro Z28. I think the power motor should be R&R any suggestions? Or should we just grease them up? I need to R&R the door locks too. Any suggestions on that? Thanks

From the GM Shop manual it says to lift upward and outboard to remove the black trim piece that runs along the top of the door panels.Ive tried this at the junkyard and it works pretty well.That is as long as you can get the window in the down position

The panel and trim stay together until it's removed from the door. But they will stay together if the backing is damaged to the point of them just sitting there. When I have everything loose I apply pressure to the bottom of the panel and gently smack the trim with my palm inward from one end to the other. Works the best for me.

The three tools needed are a T-15 and T-30 (at least 4") Torx and a panel removal tool. Also try not to ruin the fake screw heads in the panel.

-panel removal tool

Yeah those are nice for removing the plastic clips. I think I'm gonna finally try and adjust my window more towards the weatherstrip tomorrow. I've been putting it off forever because I HATE taking the door panel off. Is that clear plastic inside the door useless or what?

Also, can't find this plastic piece anywhere ( gray that surrounds everything ) I want to replace or fix the scraped up edges

The plastic is there to keep out drafts and moisture from the inside of
the car. Also to keep the back side of the door panels dry.

For the plastic door handle surround try www.thirdgenranch.com

You know the black metal circle that covers the 7mm bolt behind the door handle? How do you remove that without scraping the plastic? I'm having the worst time with this.

I have been able to use a magnet to remove the black round metal piece only for the driver side after scratching it all up with a screw driver...is there a trick to this?