I'm considering tinting my side windows soon. Wondering how or if the inside top black trim piece comes off - does the whole panel have to come off or not, just to get the top trim piece off?. Found one other post where they said to just roll the window down and yank on it - that didn't sound very "technical" so just asking again - definetly don't want to break anything trying to remove it the wrong way.

Second, as for tint, I have read that the window mechanism can scratch tint, applied to the inside of the window (obviously). How often does this occur? Right now, I'm unaware of any scratching from the power mechanism - doesn't make any scraping sounds or noises when the windows are raised or lowered.

Appreciate it all,
K

 

what you read about removing the top piece is pretty much correct. roll down the window and yank up. start at the back of the door. the entire door pannel has to come off. if you look at the top part it clips into the door usually u can just pull it off
matt

 

thanks - so, the black piece will come off without the entire panel?

And, what about the tint issue all - don't want to waste moeny on tint.......

K

 

I don't think the door panel needs to come of to tint the windows.

I believe the entire door panel will have to come off. You'll have to remove the arm rest. To entirely disconnect it from the door instead of letting it hang loosly, you'll have to mess with the door handle and lock. Its tricky to get either one or both of those off. I can't remember which.


What could scrap the inside windows are two pads that push out against the window when it goes up and down. If your windows have ever been really dirty on the inside you would notice to strips that are run up and down the window that are a little cleaner. Unless your pads are not adjusted properly. The pads have felt on them. When that wears off the metal can contact the window.

for tinting, you might want to call some places to see how much it is. When I had it done, the price was much lower than I expected and the job they did was excellent. The tinting was done in 96 and still looks good. Unfortunately the rest of my car doesn't.

 

Thanks - really appreciate the reply. So, you figured correctly - I was thinking of taking the panels off so the tint guys would have an easier time doing the tint job. My concern is that they will pull on the inner window wipe (that is connected to the black trim piece) too hard and deform it or ruin it. When I had the windows done my Focus they pulled on the inner wipes really hard and nearly yanked them off the door but it has returned to normal since then. Just trying to minimize and damage that might occur to the door panel.

If I pull the door panel, will I be able to see the felt pads to check on them???

Kevin

 

Whoever told you to just pull up the top plastic to remove it is a HACK!!!

The top plastic is connected to the door panel by speed nuts. To access the speed nuts, you need to remove the door panel completely. The arm rest and door handle plastics need to be removed. With a panel popper or carefully with a long screwdriver, pry off the door panel at the plastic screws. A panel popper will work best and doesn't destroy the screw. After the panel is loosened, grab it from the bottom and pull it out about 1 to 1.5 feet as you slowly lift up. It will release at the top and can be removed completely. While you have the panel off, it'll be a good idea to inspect the window guides, lubricate the mechanism, and pad any rattles from inside. Also, check the door handle nuts for tight. Door handles get loose and rattle over time, just tighten 'em up.

 

That was the kind of detail I was lookin' for for the panel removal - they always seem harder to remove than it looks and I know from first hand experience how easy it is to get rough with them through aggravation and break something.

Where can I pick up the popper tool? Not sure if I'm going to go to all this work now because I olny really wanted to minimize the chances of damage being done to the inner window felts through the tinting process - I'm worried I might damage the panel more by taking it off.......

K

 

In my own experience, getting the door panels off is a pain, but here's a trick that I found works for me. Once you have the panel loose (everything but the top rail) and are ready to remove it, as you lift up the main portion of the panel slightly (towards the sky) give a series of firm palm-taps along the black top rail piece towards the door and it should pop right off for you. While you are at it, why not try to tint the windows yourself? While I would never attempt a rear window, the sides can be done pretty well by the do it yourselfer with a squeege, a credit card and a hairdryer (to get rid of 'puckers'). Whatever you decide, I am sure it will turn out looking great...

www.coolcamaro.cz28.com

 

The first couple of posters don't know nothing.

The Trim piece is attach to the door panal. The only way to properly remove it is to take off the door handle, etc and pull the door panal loose around the edges using the proper tool.

The trim piece and door panel are removed as a unit.

With the glass rolled down, start by pushing the trim panel back towards the glass at latch end of the door and then gentlely pulling it up.

Please note that are 4 or 5 latchs on the trim piece that are released by pushing the trim peice toward the glass of the door.


If you just pull up on the trim panel you will break it and it will never fit correctly again.

 

Really appreciate the feedback guys. Good to know about these door panels b/c it seems like something to be pretty careful with. I guess if I do take the panels down I will definetly take the opportunity to check out all the window mechanism and maybe use up some left over Dynamat.....

For you all with tint, self-installed or not, how helpful do you think it is to have the inner panels off? Should I worry about this or not? I'm not sure how the tint shops go about holding the inner wipe back but it seems like they can be pretty hard on the door panel if they are not careful and are just in a hurry.