DIY Network

Eclipse Slick-Finish: Introduction and Getting Started Removing the Interior Door and Dash Panels From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-302

(Continued from page 1)

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Experienced gear-heads should have no problem.

Removing the Panels

• To begin the modification, the panels must first be removed from the car. Starting with the door, work your way across and remove the screws on the outside of the panel (figure A). Inside the door pull there's one screw to be taken out as well as one behind a screw cover at the door latch (figure B). Keep all the screws together in a safe place.

  Tip: You can use a dentist's pick to pull parts like the window crank loose.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

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  Figure C

• Then the remaining screws on the inside the door panel can be removed and the door panel can be pulled out (figure C).

• Repeat these steps for the other door.
  

• Moving inside the car, start by taking out the center console to release the panels beside the seats.

• Slide the seats forward and pull out the screws near the back of the console, and then pull off the panel around the stereo to reveal some bolts that need to come off as well.

• Pull the ashtray out. Underneath there are two more bolts that need to be removed.

• Next, the gearshift knob needs to come off so the console can be released (figure D).

• Finally, unplug the lighter (figure E) and lift the console out .

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Now it's time to remove all the little pieces under the dash.

• Starting at the passenger side, the inner kick panel is held on by a screw and it just pops off once the screw is removed (figure F).

• Open the glove box and push the catch pin so it falls completely open. There are a couple of screws at the hinges to be removed (figure G) before the box will slide right out.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

• The last piece on the passenger side is the outer kick panel, and it's held on by a screw and a panel clip (figure H).

• On the driver's side, remove the screws under the hood release, and then take out the bolts behind the two plastic pop-out panels (figure I), and the trim panel will drop out from underneath the steering wheel.

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

  
  

• Remove the screws behind the hood latch and disconnect the cable (figure J) to get the panel loose.

• Then finish up by removing the screw and popping out the driver's side inner kick panel.

• The glove box latch (figure K) and hood release need to come off as well. Simply remove the screws that secure them and lift them out.

Figure J

Figure K

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RESOURCES :

Malibu Customs
Knoxville, TN
www.malibucollision.com