How does one remove the door panel on a 1989 Honda Civic DX?

Answer 1

1) Remove the window crank (Take a rag and "floss" behind the crank to pop out the wire C-clamp. I can't remember whether it pops out in the same direction as the crank handle the opposite. Once the C-clamp is gone the window crank pulls straight out.) 2) Remove the screw that is in the armrest. 3) Remove the screw that is behind the latch handle. 4) Remove the plastic part that is behind the latch handle (by pulling it out while sliding it off the latch handle.) 5) Check for other screws. I don't think there are any others, but if there are they will be visible. 6) Pry around the perimeter of the door panel to unsnap the plastic snaps that secure it, but don't pry where the panel meets the window. If your DX is like mine, some of these snaps will rip out of the metal door frame instead of unsnapping, making them useless. But as long as you still have most of them the door panel will still be secure upon reassembly. 7) Slide the door panel up to release the portion that meets the window and to release the vinyl & plastic armrest from the steel armrest handle-reinforcement. Try not to get the door panel caught on the door latch while doing this. Getting the door panel off the armrest reinforcement can be a little tricky; I think you might need to flex the bottom part away from the door a little in order for it to clear. Once everything is clear just pull it off, and voila! 8) Depending why it is that you're trying to remove this thing, you may need to also undo the plastic sheeting that protects the interior of the door. After nearly 20 years it may be pretty brittle, but try not to rip it. Gently peel off the "caulking" that secures the sheeting to the metal. You may want to peel away only as much as you need to so that there's less to put back on. As for putting the sheeting back on, I have tried using silicone sealant, but not with great results. Good luck!