Van Door Question

[longshadowfarms]

Anyone know how to remove the interior panel/door handle on a 1997 GMC Savana? I need to replace the outside door handle but must access it from the inside. I just do not understand how to take the bottom panel off near the interior handle. Help Please.

[harley]

Never had to remove one of those panels. But most others ive seen, there is usually a few spots where there are screws, like behind the inside door handle and such that need to be removed, then on back of panel there are plastic clips that can be ripped out carefully, but usually best to have specific removal tool or flat screwdriver at least. Generally best to replace these clips. Check your local parts store BEFORE you get the panel off, they will hopefully have them and you wont have to go to the dealer, as the dealer will want STUPID price for them. As in for a Chev Cavalier and Dodge Neon i had, both wanted $5 EACH and the panel took 9 clips. Also if you have manual windows...not sure...you will need to remove the crank handle, which can get fun. They usually need some type of pick with cruved tip to pull the clip and then needle nose pliers to put it back on. If you have manual windows, when you get the panel off, remember there is a wire harness and its never as long as you like, so dont pull to hard and GENTLY undo the connector as they never seem to stay together if you break the litle tabs off.
Glad its you doing it not me, i HATE door panels, only worse is electrical to me.

[MariaAZ]

I don't know if this would help, but I found these instructions at muthro.com, a website that sells those side view mirrors with the integrated turn signal: Signal mirror installation instructions. If you look at the third page of the PDF, it has a diagram on how to remove the door panel.

[longshadowfarms]

It is the sliding door and we need to remove the inside handle so we can get the panel off.