Attempting to remove door panel for 01 Corolla CE

Attempting to remove door panel for 01 Corolla CE

Hey.

I've read some door panel removal web pages but they always seem to be tailored to a certain car and I don't blame them; every car is different. I am trying to remove my passenger side door panel so that I can get over the fear of tampering with my car. Also I want to get used to how it looks when I get my components.

I removed the window crank. I unscrewed the screw that sits inside the door handle, and I've removed the screw and washer set that is at the far end side of the door. Is there anything I'm missing?

I've tried lifting it off and yanking it and such, but it still won't budge. Has anyone had any experience in removing a door panel for an 01 Corolla CE?

Thanks for your help.

Matt Schaller

You have to remove the armrest cover and remove the 2 screws in there. You have to remove the door handle too. Then you should be all set.

Where is the armrest cover? Is it the pocket that you have to remove, you know, the place where you place your fingers when you want to grab the door to shut it? Or are you talking about the carpet that runs horizontally across the panel?

I was able to sort of take the door handle off, but something was restricting it from being removed. When you are facing the door handle, I was able to get the right side off, but the left side was still seated and I couldn't get it off.

Any help would be appreciated... thanks.

Matt Schaller

After the screws are out there are plastic pins at the bottom and lower side areas going into the door pull straight out to release all of them then the panel lifts up and away. It is one of the easiest once you figure it out. CW

Thank you guys for your help.. I got it off.

Now I have a couple questions. There is a plastic cover over the door panel, and I've read that this is to prevent the inside from getting damp or wet. Also, will the black sticky stuff they have around the perimeter around the door lose its stickyness if I work with it in humid conditions? I'm in Florida and it's very humid outside. Or should I take it to a garage? Or does it not matter?

Also the speaker (all paper by the way, I can't wait to get real ones in there) is held in by three washers, but from what can see, I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to take the speaker out through the washers. Is there another way?

I appreciate all the help. This is exciting.

The glue should stay tacky, don't move more than needed.

The rivots will have to be drilled out.

You will need a 3/4 to 1 inch spacer if you are installing new speakers.

CW

Thanks.

Will the 3/4" to 1" inch spacer be 5 1/2" in diameter and sit around the opening on the door? Also may I ask why a 3/4" to 1" spacer is needed?

Thanks for your help.

Matt

they are bitch to get off but you can just pull them off if you are strong

When the window is all the way down it would hit the magnet of the speaker without the spacer.

A 1" spacer will cause your door panel to be out just a bit so use a 3/4" if possible.

You will need to mount the spacer (yes around the opening) and the mount the speaker into the spacer.

CW

I think someone had a tutorial with pics around here before. Try a search. You're going to want a spacer not only for clearance, but because you don't exactly want to mount your speakers on the flimsy plastic backing of the stock speakers. Get some MDF and design a triangular type baffle to mount the speakers on. Drill some new holes in the door and you're ready to roll.