BOOSTscoop

well, when I got my car the passenger side door panel was slightly loose. but now its is more or less falling off. I replaced all the clips and did what I can, is there some sort of trick? Im also missing the interior door trim that goes to the left and right of the window, and the molding that fits in between the panel and the lower half of the window/ it doesn't seem as tho these would have any affect on the droopy panle. any help is appreciated.

ArmitageGVR4

iTrader: (13)

The door panel is held on by two downward-facing clips at the very top that slide into the metal door structure. There are two long brass-colored screws that secure the center of the door, one at the top of the pull handle (behind the window switch) and one at the bottom behind the little round plug. There are also several shorter screws that attach the door panel at the front and back. There's one final screw at the back of the latch release pocket.

My guess is if your panel is loose it's one of the two big brass screws since they hold the center of the panel to the metal structure, but it could be any of the things I listed. Also the two clips at the top are known to break off from the soft foam material they're glued to.

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

The way the door panels are constructed on these cars is almost a joke. They are extremely fragile. You have to take great care when working on them because it is very easy to break something. The two clips up top that are downward facing don't do that much on their own. The white plastic pegs virtually always break when removing the door. As long as the brass colored clips under those pegs are still there, it should hold the panel relatively securely. What they do is hang the door panel from the top of the door frame. Check the screws that go in around the perimeter of the door from the side. There are some by the door jamb, as well as one opposite on the door handle side. Make sure they are threaded into the plastic catches on the inside of the door as it is easy to miss these and just have the screws in there. The hidden screw behind the window switch also plays a big part in keeping the door secure as well as the one in the lower center behind the small removable trim flap. Make sure both those screws are there. If you are missing any clips, order them from Malloy Mazda. Used clips don't usually grab very well.

BOOSTscoop

ok, I actually happened to work on it today. I have NO idea what brass clips you are all speaking of =/

the only thing I have used/seen is
the white clips that you just pop into the door
2 screws on the hinge side of the door entering into the plastic catches
and 1 screw in the little door hinge pocket.
I have no plastic trim on the left and right side of the windows. looking at it today the side where the door latch is (opposite the hinge side) the plastic peice looks liek it might play a part in holding it up. also i do not have the weather stripped that goes along the door frame/door panel. can someone show me a picture pointing out the brass clips?

BOOSTscoop

ps thanks for the help you already have given!

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

So you are missing the black plastic pieces that cover the bolts for the door handle and the triangular one that is just opposite of the mirror? Those don't really hold the panel, they are cosmetic. The clips I am talking about are where the white peg-like clips attach that face downward and hang the door panel from the door frame. They are brass or gold-colored as I recall.

BOOSTscoop

the white clips taht you are talkign about, are they the same as the clips throughtout the whole door? now as i recall i do remember 2 holes in the door frame right by the window that look like they should accept white clips. this is something I could probably make?

ArmitageGVR4

iTrader: (13)

Then you are missing the two most important screws - the big long ones behind the top and bottom of the pull handle (behind the window switch and little round plug). These are all that hold the middle of the panel to the door itself. You need these guys.

BOOSTscoop

OH!! dude... is that what those plastic plugs are for? to cover up screws? damn. i didnt even look.