How to Take Off a Car Door

Removing a car door from the body varies greatly depending on the exact year, make and model. There are some newer models where the door can't be removed except by a professional. In any case, the door is not simply mounted to the frame by its two hinges. There are often wires running from the car to the door that you must also take care of. You will need lots of garage space to work in and an assistant to help you.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the car's negative battery cable if the door is equipped with any electronic devices like power locks and windows.

2

Pry off all small trim panels and bezels from the door's inner trim panel using a trim stick, including the window/lock controls if equipped (disconnect the controls' electrical connectors). If the door has a manual window handle, rub a rag behind it to detach it.

3

Unscrew all of the trim panel's mounting screws with a screwdriver and then pry it off its clips with the trim stick. Lift the panel off the door and disconnect any more electrical connectors.

4

Feed any wiring contained in the door out through the access hole in the edge near the hinges. If the wire's connectors are within the door, disconnect them first.

5

Have a second person grab hold of the door at the top and support it while you work on the hinges as described below.

6

Unscrew and remove the hinge bolts on the door's side with a wrench if the door has hinges that can be removed.

7

Drive out the hinge pins connecting the two parts of the hinges if you cannot unbolt the hinges. Use a punch and hammer and drive the pins at their pointed ends.

8

Pull the door away from the car body with your assistant's help.