disassemble door?

[Frank]

Probably common knowledge, but I need to know how to get behind the door panel on a PA-30 (1965). Where can I find that info? How to get the door handle off, etc.?

[Kristin Winter]

They come off like an car window handle. There is a "U" shape clip that you have to pull out, the loop of which is aligned with the handle. This video will give you one idea to get the clip off. I use a little hook, but this seems to work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iLweWp72tU

[Frank]

Thanks, Kristin. Any more info on how the door comes off? There seem to be clips on the forward edge... do they just pull off, or is there a trick to it?

[Charles Schefer]

In my experience, you just push in the door panel material underneath and behind (back edge) of the winder and use a small hook or set of very small pliers go go in and grab the back edge of the "C" clip / retainer. Then pull it off and the handle will just come off. Kristin's video depicts it pretty well.

- Charles

[Frank]

Right... I was meaning the rest of the panel on the door... where the panel attaches to the front frame of the door (and maybe all 'round the door frame).

[Kristin Winter]

It varies, but Piper was fond of using bayonet type clips that pop in through a hole and you just have to pry out. I would just take a putty knife and go around and gently pry and try to look in behind to confirm what you are dealing with. If they are just clips, then keep prying until they come off.

[Charles Schefer]

Sorry Frank I mis-understood. Again Kristin is on point. Be gentle with the door panel, work the bayonet clips out of their receiving holes in the door frame carefully. On my door the window trim covers the upper edge of the door panel so that has to come off first.

- Charles

[Frank]

Thanks for the help!