How to Remove the Door Panel Trim on a 1986 Buick LeSabre

The 1986 Buick LeSabre was built on the General Motors front-wheel-drive, H-body platform. It shares many components with the Pontiac Bonneville and Oldsmobile Delta 88. H-body cars were produced from 1986 to 1991. The door panels on the LeSabre are held on with a combination of screws and press-in clips. The DIY mechanic should be able to remove a door panel with relative ease.

Instructions

Reomval

1

Park the LeSabre on a level surface and set the parking brake.

2

Use a small flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry up the power window switch panel. Unplug the electrical connector and remove the panel. If the LeSabre has manual windows, use a hooked pick to reach behind the window crank and grab the clip that holds the crank onto the window regulator. Pull the crank from the regulator. Slide the clip back into the notches in the crank and set it aside.

3

Remove the two screws that are exposed when you removed the switch panel with the Phillips-head screwdriver.

4

Carefully pry the covers from the ends of the door-pull strap with the small flat-head screwdriver.

5

Remove the screws from the pull strap, the door latch handle cover and the screw located in the rear of the arm rest.

6

Slide a large flat-head screwdriver between the door and the door panel, about 3 inches, starting at the lower rear corner of the door. Slowly slide the screwdriver upward until it stops; this means it is near one of the press-in clips. Gently pry up on the panel to disengage the clip. Move to the next one and repeat the process. Repeat this procedure along the lower and front edges of the door.

7

Grab the door panel and carefully lift it up and off the top of the door.

Installation

8

Install the panel by sliding the panel over the top of the door. The panel has a lip that fits over the door.

9

Line up the clips with their holes and push the panel against the door to engage the clips.

10

Install the screws in the top and bottom of the arm rest. Mount the pull strap and install the screws.

11

Install the door handle cover and screw.

12

Reconnect the electrical connector on the switch panel and press the panel into the arm rest, or push the window crank onto the window regulator.

13

Push the pull-strap covers back onto the pull strap.