Replacing Your VW Beetle Door Panels

If your VW Beetle is taking a break from the roads this Winter, now is a great time to upgrade or replace worn out Door Panels. Door Panels take a lot of abuse, constantly being pulled and pushed when you get into and out of your Air Cooled VW. Mid America Motorworks shows you a great way to give your Bug's interior a new look while restoring function

Removing Old Panels

Once you've determined that a change is in order, the first step is removing the existing Door Panels.

Using a small screwdriver, carefully pry the finger plate out of the door latch trim, starting at the forward end. Remove the single screw that you'll see behind the finger plate and remove the door latch trim. Stow the door latch trim components in a safe place.
Use the same small screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic trim off the window crank and remove the window crank screw. Remove the crank and stow it with the door latch trim in an appropriately-labeled large zip-top plastic bag.
We suggest putting the screw back into the crank for safekeeping, as it's hard to replace if you lose it. Note: Be careful during these operations to make sure you do not mar the finger plate or the window crank trim or puncture the panel.
Next, remove the two large screws from the underside of the armrest and remove the armrest from the door. Set the armrest and screws aside with the other parts. Earlier VWs have nuts on the backside of the armrest. These should be removed after the panel is removed.
Using a large screwdriver or small pry bar, carefully pry the door panel clips out of the rubber inserts in the door frame. Pry as close to the clip as you can to keep from damaging the panel. Note: Use padding (a rag or masking tape) to protect the finish.
Carefully remove the trim panel and set it aside. Note: Some aftermarket panels are made of thin pressed board. If you're not careful the door panel clips can pull through, breaking the hole out to the edge of the panel. This problem is very difficult to repair. So be VERY CAREFUL when prying out the clips.
Inspect the protective plastic sheeting that should be attached to the inner side of the door frame. Note:The purpose of this plastic sheeting is to protect the inner side of the door panel from water.
If this protective sheeting is torn or missing, replace it with a vapor barrier or door panel insulation.

Installing New Door Panels

Installing new Door Panels is basically a reverse of removal. There are a few tips to keep in mind to make the process go smoothly.

Reinstall the clips in the appropriate holes in the reverse side of the Door Panel. Orient the clip in the hole in the door trim so the mating end is near the outside edge of the door. Otherwise, you will have trouble lining up the clip with the rubber insert in the door frame. Note: that there are more holes in the trim panel than necessary. Make sure the clips in the reverse side of the door panel match with the holes/rubber inserts in the door frame.
Hold the trim panel up to the door frame and make sure there is a clip in the trim to match the rubber inserts in the holes in the car body.
Gently but firmly press each of the clips into the rubber inserts in the door frame, all the way around. Sometimes a clean rubber mallet will help.
Replace the window crank, the door latch trim, and the armrest.