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, and trying the techniques advised- 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.