I just swapped my black interior for a tan interior. Both cars are 1984 Firebirds. The black top trim (window sweep) has been ripped off both panels. Is there a way to secure them back? How would they go on if the panels were brand new? Those round clips break off really easily.

Thanks!
Chris

 

Just use some 1/8" rivets....they work fine.

 

those round clips are sold at pepboys in bags full. we are always breaking the darn things.
but the rivits suggested will work just as good, if you have any around.

 

where would you place rivets that would be unnoticeable? Just curious?

And yes,as dumb as this may sound,duct tape actually works as well(ask me how I know)

if the door panels have all the plastic surrounding pins,and the top piece mounts to the door like it should,then duct tape will hold them together.

Sorry again if this sounds like a totally stupid idea but,it did work for me.

 

He said black top trim but then said window sweep....I assumed he meant the rubber weatherstripping at the top of the plastic rail. You can pop rivet that.

Don't know what to do if the plastic studs break off the upper rails that attach to the door panels.

 

totally correct man!
If its just the inner window sweeps(weatherstripping) rivets will do the job nicely!

 

what is the best way to take off the door panel
do the windows need up or down is there a tool that i need?

 

Aha! That one I can answer because I just did both sides. First, using a torx, unscrew the plastic surrounding the door handle, door locks, etc. Some screws are fake...I think there were about 8 all together, each side. Take the plastic off by rotating it 90 degrees straight up, to go over the door handle..Then, unscrew the door handles, again torx but larger...two underneath, one visibly on the top.
Then use a flat blade screwdriver, and go around the door and pop the plastic fasteners. Lastly, slide the door panel up and in...

Chris

 

Oops, forgot...the windows need to be down!

Chris

 

Then I am screwed because he ripped that plastic top (sorry, not window sweeps) off the door panel, and now the door panel has rips on the top where those plastic circle fasteners should go.
How the heck do you put your black top on an aftermarket door panel? I might have to call Hawks because they sell both.

Chris

 

are you talking about the plastic bar that holds the window sweep to the cardboard? The peice that you lay your arm on when you have the windows down on a nice day? If it is I used hotglue to hold mine back together because both were coming off when i bought the car over a year ago. They are holding up nicely so far.

 

Yes, very well put! Funny, my wife suggested Silicone, but I like the hot glue idea. THANKS! Good job!

Chris