How to Install a Door Panel on a 1970 Chevy Nova

The Nova was completely restyled for the 1968 model year, so Chevrolet left well-enough alone for a few years. Even though the Nova was an entry-level car for Chevy in 1970, many collectors covet these cars as values have risen -- as of 2012 -- to many times what the car cost new. Help maintain your Nova's value by sprucing up the interior. Swapping your car's old, worn door panels for new reproduction copies of the original is a good way to start your interior restoration.

Instructions

1

Remove the retaining screws from the interior arm rest on the door panel with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the armrest and place it aside.

2

Twist off the door lock knob in a counterclockwise direction by hand and remove it. Slide a window crank removal tool in between the window crank and the door panel until the spring clip releases. Pull the handle and the plastic washer from the door panel.

3

Remove the four screws along the bottom edge of the door panel with a Phillips screwdriver. Save the screws. Slide a door panel removal tool in between the door panel and the door along one of the sides. Pry the door panel out to release the retaining clips. Continue along the length of both sides of the panel to release all of the clips.

4

Lift the door panel straight up until the window sill plate clears the side window opening. Slide the panel forward to work the door handle out of the opening in the door panel. Remove the door panel from the door.

5

Remove the screws from the window sill plate on the old door panel with a Phillips screwdriver. Pry the front of the door panel from the plate with a putty knife. Remove the plate from the door panel. Clean any adhesive residue from the plate with solvent and a rag. Slide the retaining clips out of the slots on the back side of the panel.

6

Attach the window sill plate to the new door panel using the original screws. Spray upholstery adhesive to the back side of the door panel material at the front of the door panel. Stretch the door panel material over the front of the window sill plate and press it into place with your fingers. Slide the original retaining clips into the slots on the back side of the panel. Position the door panel slightly forward of the door. Slide the panel towards the back end of the door, ensuring that the door handle is inserted into its hole in the panel. Hook the window sill plate over the side window opening and lower the panel into position.

7

Push in at the sides of the panel until the retaining clips snap into place on the door. Replace the original screws along the bottom of the door panel and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver.

8

Push the spring clip into position on the back of the window crank handle. Place the plastic washer over the back of the handle. Push the handle into place on the splined shaft until it snaps into place.

9

Replace the arm rest and tighten the retaining screws. Screw the door lock knob back into place.