How to Remove the Door Panel on a 1990 Nissan 300ZX

In 1990, the Z-car underwent a drastic overhaul, turning into one of the more sought-after cars of its era. Its unique wedge shape coupled with an optional 300-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine made a one-of-a-kind ride. The base 222-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine was no slouch either. Removing the door panel on the 1990 Nissan 300ZX requires special care, as there are a number of hidden screws and clips securing the door panel to the door skin.

Instructions

Find the screw cover on the top of the outside door extender, the panel extending upward from the front-most part of the door, and pry it from the extender with a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the screw with a ratchet and socket.

Pry upward on the lower part of the inside door extender, the part of the door extender on the inside of the vehicle, with a flat-head screwdriver to release its retaining clip. Remove the inside door extender.

Remove the two screw covers from the door panel pull handle using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the screws securing the pull handle using a Phillips screwdriver.

Unfasten the four door panel-retaining screws -- one on the rearmost edge of the panel, one on the front-most edge of the panel and two in the front, upper corner of the panel -- using a Phillips screwdriver.

Insert the flat-head screwdrivers blade under the screw cover inside the armrest pull cup, on the drivers side door only, and pry the cover upward. Remove the two screws inside the drivers side pull cup with a Phillips screwdriver.

Pry upward on the drivers side pull cup-and-power accessory switch bezel on the drivers side or just the power accessory switch bezel on the passengers side, using a flat-head screwdriver to unfasten its retaining clips. Lift upward on the bezel just enough to access its wiring harnesses and disconnect them from the bezel-mounted switches. Remove the bezel from the vehicle.

Release the door panels retaining clips by prying around its perimeter with a trim stick, then remove the panel from the door.

Guide the door panel onto the door and align its retaining clips with the holes in the door. Tap around the perimeter of the door panel with your hand to snap the clips into place.

Tighten the four door panel-retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Plug the wiring harnesses into the power accessory switch and align the retaining clips on the switch bezel with the slots in the door panel. Press downward on the bezel until its clips snap into place. On the drivers side bezel, tighten the two bezel-retaining screws, then press the screw cover into place in the pull cup.

Position the door pull handle onto the door panel and tighten its retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Press the screw covers into place on the pull handle.

Align the base of the inside door extender with its slot in the door panel, then tighten the outside-door-extender-to-inside-door-extender screw with a ratchet and socket. Press the screw cover into place on the outside door extender.