How the heck do I get started, getting the door lock cylinders out? Is this a 'remove the door panel' approach?

Yep.
Just remove the interior handles, winder handles [if you have them] in fact everything to get the door panel off.
Once off its pretty simple, only one connecting rod [if i remember correctly], and a horseshoe shaped clip that actually holds the door lock in.

I'm having the same problem. I've got my interior door panel off, trying to replace the door lock cylinders, but I can't get the clip out (I can't get a good grip that far off my door). Anyone done this before and can offer some hints/tips? The only panel I was able to remove was the interior panel, but it appears that the entire thing is one piece... thanks!

This may not help, but down a bit in the following link, you'll find a diagram that shows the set-up clearly:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=124084

I had one hellish time with the clip, #5.

JamesC

i used a long flathead screwdriver and popped both of mine out. I think the worst part ill be putting them back in.

Agreed. Beat up knuckles and some scarred flesh!

JamesC

agree with above^....Its a pain in the butt with minimal space to work with.

I just did mine and used a long pair of needle nose pliers for the horseshoe clip.On the plastic clip retainer locks you just push the clip back with a long screwdriver.The older style it's easier to slide the clip back thru the lock cyclinder hole itself.
Also do you have new weather seals for your lock cylinders?It's also a good time to take a good look at what shape the exterior door handles are in.

Yeah, I've seen how narrow the space is... And I was afraid of that.

I'll try a flathead screwdriver to get the clip out. The rest of it seems to come out pretty easily. I'll also get the seals for the locks, as they're probably ready to go too.

Those c-clips get corroded and then they are hard to pull out. Try soaking it in wd-40 or something similar. It will be messy, but they will come out. Make sure they are nice and clean before you put them back in. Good luck

I was wondering if anyone knows of a lock set that uses the same key for the doors ignition and trunk lock ? ecklers has 33-190028 witch is a repo and has ign and doors on same key but no trunk