Hi, I think the window regulator has gone in my 1963 impala 4 door pillerless as it wont go all the way up it stops about 2 inches from the top so im just wondering how i get the drivers side door panel off? Id rather ask first then break clips etc. Thanks
didn't they still have nails back then? remove handles and armrest and lock button. Gently pry the panel out just enough so you can see what retains it. If it has nails, good luck....you need to pry on each side of the nail, right next to it, and be slow and careful. There might also be a few screws along the bottom, or at least in the corners, look closely. Once you've got the front/bottom/rear loose, lift the panel up to disengage the lip that fits over the top edge of the door.
You should be able to find the handle, clip tool at the store. If you ask around your buddies may have one. Some guys get lucky just snagging the clip with a rag.
oops forgot that you might not know about the handle clips.... this fits under the handle, then you push it a bit to release the clip. You can do it with a hook instead, but it's tricky.
You don't need a special tool to remove the handle clip.. Slip a rag across behind the handle and pull it thru, it'll snag on the end of the clip and remove it, watch out tho, the clips sometime disappear right in front of you.. lol.
Not sure of differences, but newer vehicles I use a shop rag and kinda “saw” where the clip is to pop them out. I know if I bought a real tool it would be a one timer before I couldn’t find it the next time I needed it
former '63 owner here. Get the handle tool. And yes, @squirrel is right. The cards had metal strips around the edges with "nails" built into them that get pushed into plastic receptors that are in the door. Or, supposed to be, if they haven't disintegrated. They can be bought new too. Gentle prying and they come off easy. I have some extra aftermarket nail strips if you are in the need. Can't find a pic of what it looks like, so I'll just add one of the car.
A forked tool like you dig weeds with will work. In the factory we had a snap on tool for popping door pads. Then a better one that I don’t remember the brand. Also a door handle clip tool. We could pull a pad in just a few minutes when the car was going down the line. Running about 55 cars an hour. Just get the right tool and don’t bugger the pad.
Car was originally a V8, but I got it without an engine. I installed a 230 6cyl from a '69 truck w/ dual carbs & dual exhaust. Powerglide trans. Sold it a while back to another HAMBr and I see he's putting a V8 in it. So now it's faster, but not as cool. Here's a shot of the headliner I sewed up & made the boring car guys cringe! 63wagon53 by 1pickup posted Jul 17, 2016 at 11:56 AM
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