Door Panels- How much fun are they?!?!?! *&%(%

[TVRich]

Who designed them?!?!

Lost half my forearm against the window mechanism and then cramp whilst my arm was stuck inside.

Came off eventually so now I can replace the tired old carpet- PHEW!

One problem though, the washer off the furthest stud fell into the bottom of the door and I have no chance of getting my not so dextrous fingers down there.

Any suggestions on how to retrieve the washer?

[S7Paul]

I did a similar thing, but managed to slide it along to where I could reach it using a slim screwdriver. Failing that, you could try magnetising the end of a screwdriver and try to pick it up with that. Good luck.

[AntonyJ]

You will be surprised at how much you can reach.
I agree a magnetic tool is the answer.

Had a few door panels off(worked on a chimaera the other week), when replacing I take all the washers,nuts and a long 10mm socket(3/8 drive) on a short extension in with me.

The window has to be up, and as you put your arm in reach up at first and then arc down toward the pins.

And get some cream for the scratches!

[Pupp]

I did mine last year and added a 10mm ring spanner to my toolkit...that someone else had thoughtfully left in there!

[peebee]

Just a thought but would a magnet outside the door attract the washer so that you can manipulate it to a point where you can pick it off (protect the paintwork with a thin piece of cloth)?

[SimonV8ster]

Buy some new washers and get some spares !!

Also replace the nuts with wing nuts so you can do them up with your fingers and not loose any spanners in there !!

[spend]

Washers I find are a bit easier to manage just by tacking some masking tape on them. You seem to be able to retrieve most things from the depth of the door by sweeping them forward to a point where you can reach them (just try not to get them trapped in the lip). I cant see the point of wing nuts - they will be even harder to reach.. Long reach socket with a 1/4" flexible ratchet is ideal for me. ALWAYS keep a long sleeved t-shirt handy for when you have to delve into the doors etc.!

Dave

[Colin L]

Easy way the find that nut,

Close door, start engine, put in reverse and then drive back 10 foot.

Drive forward at 5mph,

Stand on the Brakes, the nut will fly forward.

Its easy.

Also agree, its best to change the nuts to Wing-nuts and tape the washers on with masking tape.

Colin L