1981 300SD Passenger Door Side Panel Fell Off
 

Hello all! It't been a long time since I have posted any questions here. I am getting ready to sell my beloved 1981 300SD and in the process of getting it ready for sale, I am trying to get some smaller loose ends resolved.

One of the latest issues that occurred (though it was awhile ago), was the front passenger door exterior lower panel fell off. When I inspected the panel, it does not appear to be damaged or broken.

1. All of the pins are instact on the panel that fell off
2. Everything looks proper on the door (all plastic holes/inserts seem to be there.

Before I go and try to pop it back on I thought I would post a few questions regarding reinstalling it. My two biggest concerns are:

1. How do I reinstall it without breaking a pin/ damaging the panel when putting it back on?

2. How do I put it back on to ensure that it does not fall off while I am driving down the road.

I was lucky this time it happened as the car was parked so the panel was just lying on the ground :)

I have attached two images of the door and panel so you can see what I am referring to.

Thank you in advance for any help!

I removed all my exterior panels to sand and paint.
 

I can't find a paint booth for rent yet so the body isn't finished so I haven't reinstalled them yet.


The following thread was of great help to me. Post #54 is a good reference for part numbers and the FSM (factory service manual) explains how to install them.



https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/365260-drop-300sd-rear-end-4.html


<img src="https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=166797&stc=1&d=1685560142">

Thank you, that's super helpful!!!

I need to take a closer look at the parts that are o the car and the panel to try and figure out what is missing and caused it to fall off.

There should be a screw / nut at the back edge that holds it in place. Otherwise it's just the metal and plastic clips.

Thank you @compu_85 ;) I'm planning on looking things over more thoroughly this weekend. I'll note the screw/nut option at the back edge. I am planning on going through the part diagram referred to in the other thread to make sure I am seeing everything in place and that it's still in working order. Hopefully it's either random or I just need to order some replacement pieces.

if the push thru pins are intact on the trim panel you could also try alternative methods should replacement clips be difficult to source. You could apply a thin warp of masking tape to each pin, to give it more girth and holding powder. You could alternatively use a dab of silicone RTV/ seal adhesive on each of the thru holes to add to the grabbing power. Either way there should also be at least 2 mechanical screws that feed through the backside of the door and into the trim panel to affix it, usually one on the front and another on the rear edges of the door.