tmpafford Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 I have a 97 STS and the interior door panels have come loose at the bottom. The clips (tabs?) that hold the bottom of the pannel to the door sheet metal have broken off. Now every time I close the door, the panel wobbles and shakes. The panel is very thick at the bottom so putting screw through it into the door is not an option. I have been toying with the idea of getting a new car, but the only thing really wrong with my STS are the door panels. I think if I can replace the panels I can get rid of the new car bug. My STS has the black leather interior with fake wood trim. Does anyone have a part number for both driver and passenger front doors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 When I needed door panels for my 91 Seville, I was successful searching this web site and had them shipped complete with the bose speaker/amp unit. http://www.car-parts.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 I dont have the service bulletin # in front of me....but there is a clip repair kit from Cadillac for this exact problem. Logan Diagnostic LLC www.airbagcrash.com www.ledfix.com www.ledfix.com/yukontaillightrepair.html www.ledfix.com/ledreplacements.html www.ledfix.com/j42385toolrental.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 And just a FYI.... That is real wood. Logan Diagnostic LLC www.airbagcrash.com www.ledfix.com www.ledfix.com/yukontaillightrepair.html www.ledfix.com/ledreplacements.html www.ledfix.com/j42385toolrental.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopdeville Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 As a fan of "fixing on the cheap and besides, it's hidden and no one will ever know" : go to the local Home Depot... buy some Green Painter's tape and some Clear Silicone II and spread it on the metal of the door edge under the panel... use some green masking tape (1 1/2" wide) to ensure a nice tight fit between the panel and the frame... close the door and remove the tape gently in the morning. You can use a utility knife to cut (gently) any that seeped out and became visible. Works well... Keeps the new car money in the bank too... MP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
556393 Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 I HAD THE SAME LOOSE DOOR PANEL ON MY `98 ETC. I TOOK SOME ALUMINUM L CHANNEL, CUT IT TO 1 INCH PIECES, DRILLED HOLES AND SCREWED IT TO THE DOOR. I THEN TOOK TRIM SCREWS AND SCREWED-UP THRU THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR PANEL INTO THE ALUMINUM BRACKETS. YOU CAN`T SEE THE SCREWS UNLESS YOU GOT ON THE GROUND AND LOOKED UP. SOLID, TIGHT AND NO MORE DOOR PANEL RATTLE. THATS HOW THEY OLD CADDIES. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 I have a 97 STS and the interior door panels have come loose at the bottom. The clips (tabs?) that hold the bottom of the pannel to the door sheet metal have broken off. Now every time I close the door, the panel wobbles and shakes. The panel is very thick at the bottom so putting screw through it into the door is not an option. I have been toying with the idea of getting a new car, but the only thing really wrong with my STS are the door panels. I think if I can replace the panels I can get rid of the new car bug. My STS has the black leather interior with fake wood trim. Does anyone have a part number for both driver and passenger front doors? have you checked the dealer to see if there are plastic clips for the door that you can replace? You might be surprised... Do you have the manual? I will look at mine to night to see if there are clips that separate from the panel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 Yeah...there is a kit. Why cobble up a $40 k car? Expoxy wont cut it. You need a OEM material like Devcon. Anyway, here is the bulletin... Info - Door Trim Panel Removal Procedures and Hook Repair Information #02-08-64-002 - (Jan 16, 2002) Door Trim Panel Removal Procedures and Hook Repair Information 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville 1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille This bulletin is being issued to address the following: To provide proper door trim panel removal procedures in order to avoid door trim panel retainer hook breakage. Hook-style retainers (1) are used to retain the door trim panels on the vehicles listed above. To avoid retainer hook breakage, it is important to observe the proper removal procedure. Refer to the appropriate removal procedure in this bulletin. To provide door trim panel retaining hook repair information. If retainer hook breakage does occur, the hook(s) can be repaired with the Kent-Moore Kit J 42983. The kit contains hooks, adhesive, templates, carbide bits and instructions. 1994-1999 DeVille Trim Panel Replacement-RH Front Door (LH Similar) Tools Required J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover For Upper Trim Panel Retainer ONLY Removal Procedure Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in the SIR sub-section of the Service Manual. Caution Striking the vehicle near the side air bag impact sensor can cause an air bag deployment if the ignition switch is not OFF. To help avoid personal injury and damage to the vehicle from a deployment, always turn the ignition switch to OFF during body repairs. Remove the power window switch assembly (7). Place protective tape between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel (9). Important In order to avoid damage, the retention spring clip must be fully disengaged prior to removal of the power window switch assembly. Between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel (9), carefully insert a plastic trim tool far enough to depress and disengage the switch plate retention spring clip. Use the plastic trim tool in one hand to gently pry the forward edge of the power window switch assembly upward. Use the other hand to grasp and pull the switch assembly from the door trim panel. Disconnect the electrical connectors (8). Remove the inside door handle trim plate/bezel (1). Between the top edge of the inside door handle trim plate/bezel and the door trim panel (3), carefully insert the plastic trim tool and gently pry the inside door handle trim plate/bezel outward far enough to disengage the retaining clips. Pull the door handle trim plate/bezel outward and slide over the handle. Disconnect the two electrical connectors (10). Remove the outside rearview mirror upper door trim panel (shark fin) (2). Use the door trim pad clip remover, J 38778, to disengage the upper door trim panel (shark fin) retaining clip. Remove the door lamp lens cover assembly (5). Between the forward angled edge of the door lamp lens cover and the door trim panel (6), carefully insert the plastic trim tool and gently pry the lens cover assembly outward far enough to disengage the retaining clip. Disconnect the electrical connector (4). Remove the two door trim panel retaining fasteners (2). Behind the door lamp lens cover assembly. Behind the door handle trim plate/bezel. Important If the door trim panel hooks are damaged during removal, a hook repair kit with instructions, J 42983, is available. Remove the door trim panel (1) by LIFTING upward and outward in order to disengage the panel hooks from the door. Disconnect the door trim panel speaker electrical connector. 1994-1999 DeVille Trim Panel Replacement-RH Side Rear Door (LH Similar) Removal Procedure Remove the power window switch assembly. Place protective tape between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel. Important In order to avoid damage, the retention spring clip must be fully disengaged prior to removal of the power window switch assembly. Between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel, carefully insert a plastic trim tool far enough to depress and disengage the switch plate retention spring clip. Use the plastic trim tool in one hand to gently pry the forward edge of the power window switch assembly upward. Use the other hand to grasp and pull the switch assembly from the door trim panel. Disconnect the electrical connectors. Remove the inside door handle trim plate/bezel. Between the top edge of the inside door handle trim plate/bezel and the door trim panel, carefully insert the plastic trim tool and gently pry the inside door handle trim plate/bezel outward far enough to disengage the retaining clips. Pull the door handle trim plate/bezel outward and slide over the handle. Disconnect the two electrical connectors. Remove the door lamp lens cover assembly. Between the forward angled edge of the door lamp lens cover and the door trim panel, carefully insert the plastic trim tool and gently pry the lens cover assembly outward far enough to disengage the retaining clip. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the two door trim panel retaining fasteners (2). Behind the door lamp lens cover assembly. Behind the door handle trim plate/bezel. Important If the door trim panel hooks are damaged during removal, a hook repair kit with instructions, J 42983, is available. Remove the door trim panel (1) by LIFTING upward and outward in order to disengage the panel hooks from the door. 1992-2002 Eldorado Trim Panel Replacement-RH Front Door (LH Similar) Tools Required J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover For Map Pocket Retainer ONLY Removal Procedure Remove the power window switch assembly (3). Place protective tape between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel (5). Important In order to avoid damage, the retention spring clip must be fully disengaged prior to removal of the power window switch assembly. Between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel (5), carefully insert a plastic trim tool far enough to depress and disengage the switch plate retention spring clip. Use the plastic trim tool in one hand to gently pry the forward edge of the power window switch assembly upward. Use the other hand to grasp and pull the switch assembly from the door trim panel. Disconnect the electrical connectors (4). Remove the inside door handle trim plate/bezel (2). Between the top edge of the inside door handle trim plate/bezel and the door trim panel, carefully insert the plastic trim tool and gently pry the inside door handle trim plate/bezel outward far enough to disengage the retaining clips. Pull the door handle trim plate/bezel outward and slide over the handle. Disconnect the electrical connector (1). Use the door trim pad clip remover, J 38778, to disengage the upper rear corner map pocket retaining clip (3). Remove the two door trim panel retaining fasteners (2). Behind the upper rear corner of the map pocket. Behind the door handle trim plate/bezel. Important If the door trim panel hooks are damaged during removal, a hook repair kit with instructions, J 42983, is available. Remove the upper trim panel (shark fin) and the door trim panel (1) together by LIFTING upward and outward in order to disengage the panel hooks from the door. Disconnect the door trim panel speaker electrical connector. 1992-1997 Seville Trim Panel Replacement-Front Door (Rear Door Similar) Tools Required J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover For Map Pocket Retainer ONLY Removal Procedure Remove the power window switch assembly. Place protective tape between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel. Important In order to avoid damage, the retention spring clip must be fully disengaged prior to removal of the power window switch assembly. Between the forward edge of the power window switch assembly and the door trim panel, carefully insert a plastic trim tool far enough to depress and disengage the switch plate retention spring clip. Use the plastic trim tool in one hand to gently pry the forward edge of the power window switch assembly upward. Use the other hand to grasp and pull the switch assembly from the door trim panel. Disconnect the electrical connectors. Remove the inside door handle trim plate/bezel. Between the top edge of the inside door handle trim plate/bezel and the door trim panel, carefully insert the plastic trim tool and gently pry the inside door handle trim plate/bezel outward far enough to disengage the retaining clips. Pull the door handle trim plate/bezel outward and slide over the handle. Disconnect the two electrical connectors. Use the door trim pad clip remover, J 38778, to disengage the upper rear corner map pocket retaining clip. Remove the two door trim panel retaining fasteners. Behind the upper rear corner of the map pocket. Behind the door handle trim plate/bezel. Important If the door trim panel hooks are damaged during removal, a hook repair kit with instructions, J 42983, is available. Remove the door trim panel by LIFTING upward and outward in order to disengage the panel hooks from the door. Disconnect the door trim panel speaker electrical connector. Logan Diagnostic LLC www.airbagcrash.com www.ledfix.com www.ledfix.com/yukontaillightrepair.html www.ledfix.com/ledreplacements.html www.ledfix.com/j42385toolrental.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmpafford Posted August 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 Thanks Logan! I will be doing a google search for the repair kit, but just in case I cant find it, do you know where I can get it? Thanks PS I had thought about the silicone repair, but thought the next owner of this car might appreciate a better repair job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 Thanks Logan! I will be doing a google search for the repair kit, but just in case I cant find it, do you know where I can get it? Thanks PS I had thought about the silicone repair, but thought the next owner of this car might appreciate a better repair job. Thanks Logan for your knowledge on this. I HATE "RUBE GOLDBERG" and CHEAP fixes as many of you know already! In the words of my father: "IF YOU DON'T DO IT RIGHT, DON'T DO IT AT ALL!" I am glad you want to fix it right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmpafford Posted August 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 There is also a black plastic weather strip that hangs off the clips. It is sandwiched between the door panel and the door. Doing the silicone repair trick would not allow me to put those weather strips back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmpafford Posted August 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 WHOA!!!! Just called Kent-Moore and tried to purchase the repair kit. They cost about $1100.00 for the kit. It is a kit to repair multiple door panels, not just one each. Guess I will have to try making my own reapir kit and if that does not work I will take it to the dealer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 Yeah....I bet Kent Moore wants that. The idea is to check to see if your dealer has the door clip repair kit. I posted a image of the kit as it is shown in the service bulletin.... Logan Diagnostic LLC www.airbagcrash.com www.ledfix.com www.ledfix.com/yukontaillightrepair.html www.ledfix.com/ledreplacements.html www.ledfix.com/j42385toolrental.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STS Scott Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 My STS has the black leather interior with fake wood trim. Whoa! Stop the presses! That is genuine wood! Zebrano wood to be exact. In fact it is unique to Cadillacs, them having there own 'tree farm' for which they grow the trees to supply the wood. Take pride in it... I polish and wax the wood trim just as I do the paint. " ...'took my Cobra down t' the track, hitched to the back o' my Cadillac..." - Jan & Dean, 'hey little cobra' Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmpafford Posted August 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 Take pride in it... I polish and wax the wood trim just as I do the paint. STS-Scott - The reason I assumed it was plastic is because the piece just under the dash pad has about four or five huge cracks running through it diagonally across the grain. If it was real wood, wouldn't it follow the grain? In the hot Texas weather, I can hear it cracking (or something is popping) as my car cools down from the low 100's (as shown on the outside temp gauge) to 75. When I bought the car used in 2000 there was only one small crack near the center vent. Logan - I will try a home repair first and then try a local dealer. There are at least four dealerships in Houston, so I hope at least one has the kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
556393 Posted August 12, 2005 Report Share Posted August 12, 2005 MY DOOR PANELS WERE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER USING THE KIT AND PROCEDURE DESCRIBED BY LOGAN ABOVE BUT, THE PROCESS DIDN`T LAST. THE METAL BOOMERANG SHAPED IECES ARE GLUED TO THE DOOR PANEL TO REPACE THE BROKEN PLASTIC PIECES. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING THEM PLACE JUST RIGHT TO HOLD THE PANEL TIGHTLY IN PLACE AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME. NOT ONLY THAT, THE GLUE OR WHAT EVER THE WHITE GOOP IS, ISN`T PERAMENT. THE PIECES FELL OFF. THATS WHY I WENT THE WAY I DID, USING TRIM SCREWS AND BRACKETS. NO MORE LOOSE DOOR PANELS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted August 12, 2005 Report Share Posted August 12, 2005 We dont know....I just knew that there was a repair kit to deal with broken door clips. As mentioned, epoxy cant do the job. You need a plastic bonder. Like Devcon plastic bonder. The 'white' stuff sounds like 'cyanoacylate' material. Basically....a super glue was used. Wont work. Logan Diagnostic LLC www.airbagcrash.com www.ledfix.com www.ledfix.com/yukontaillightrepair.html www.ledfix.com/ledreplacements.html www.ledfix.com/j42385toolrental.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etcxtc Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 I've recently seen the Kent-Moore Kit J 42983 go for about $40 on eBay. They supposedly had all the parts (templates and carbide grinding bits). The adhesive and the replacement hooks can be purchased through Kent-Moore. Last time I checked, the adhesive was about $35 and the hooks run about $5 each, but you have to buy them in packages of ten. I think Cadillac only uses two of the hooks out of the five or six that the kit uses. The kit is used for all of the GM car lines. A kit purchased on eBay, adhesive, and hooks are still less than a new door panel at $400+. Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 I have been toying with the idea of getting a new car, but the only thing really wrong with my STS are the door panels. I too have been "toying" with the idea of getting a new(er) car (CADILLAC!), but I wouldn't dump a $45K car simply 'cuz the door panels have a problem. Just FIX them! In November of '04 I was rear-ended. In addition to the obvious repairs, I told the guy at the body shop that I needed my driver's door panel repaired because it came away from the door when I pulled on it to close the door. He explained about the "unreliable" plastic clips and said he had a much better repair method that involved aluminum "L" brackets. Fine says I. When I got the car back, the door panel was like a rock! That repair didn't even appear on the repair bill. When I enquired, Steve said, "No problem, that was a freebee." Well, if it was a "freebee," I doubt there was much involved in fixing it. Consider seeing your local body shop guy and having a talk with him. Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 MY DOOR PANELS WERE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER USING THE KIT AND PROCEDURE DESCRIBED BY LOGAN ABOVE BUT, THE PROCESS DIDN`T LAST. THE METAL BOOMERANG SHAPED IECES ARE GLUED TO THE DOOR PANEL TO REPACE THE BROKEN PLASTIC PIECES. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING THEM PLACE JUST RIGHT TO HOLD THE PANEL TIGHTLY IN PLACE AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME. NOT ONLY THAT, THE GLUE OR WHAT EVER THE WHITE GOOP IS, ISN`T PERAMENT. THE PIECES FELL OFF. THATS WHY I WENT THE WAY I DID, USING TRIM SCREWS AND BRACKETS. NO MORE LOOSE DOOR PANELS. YOUR "caps lock" KEY IS STUCK! YOU NEED TO GET IT FIXED! rEGARDS, wARREN There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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