question 124 door panel removal...

[Jay Gibbs]

I have a bad check strap in the right front door of my 87 300TD. Bought new check strap, painted it body color and am ready to go. I've removed the trim cover inside behind door mirror, bolt behind black door handle panel, black "U" shaped trim by striker, and locking knob.

Looking through other posts on the subject, this is looking like a royal PITA and frought with danger of breaking 22 year old clips, not to mention the panel. Before I resign to really "getting into it" and practice in swearing like a sailor, is it worth just spending the 1.5 hr labor that the MBZ dealer will likely charge to do this???

J.G.

[awsrock]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

Most likely, you are going to break some of those clips off (some probably already are!)
But, by break, they usually just detatch from the panel itself, not snap into pieces (at least in my experiences)
You can get away with having the door function opening and closing just fine with a few of the clips intact.
One of my rear doors was being held on by only 3 clips and the screws..I took it off, glued and duct-taped the clips back on, and now it is functioning just fine.

I'd give it a shot before you take it in..if it's gonna break, it's gonna happen no matter who does it!

Just remember to lift up, then out when removing the panel..not just straight out. You'll be able to feel what I am talking about.