I want to paint the oval door panel parts. I've read all about how to get them off and everything. My problem is that I'm stuck at the part of how to get the armrest off. So far I've tried a taped up butter knife and a lolly pop stick. No luck with either. In fact, the lolly pop stick split in two. I've read to use a screw driver, but I'm scared to death I'll scratch the door handle. Plus, it seems like a screw driver wouldn't go in very far since it won't lie flat against the handle. Is there another way? Or is that it?

Also, since I'm going to have the door panels off I was thinking about doing this:

http://www.jwardell.com/mini/hkdoor.html

I don't have the stereo upgrade, but will the sound dampening, baffles, etc. help anyway. It's cheap, so can it hurt to try?

Lastly, after getting the painted parts back from the body shop, how long do I have to wait before I reinstall them? Can I do it right away? Thanks in advance.

-Seth

EDIT: I forgot to mention that this is an 06.

 

I too wold really like to know how to get the armrest off. The first time I painted the door panel I had to tape it off, and that was no fun at all.

 

*this is for 05/06's only...

get a longer screw driver (if you're scared of scratching the handle wrap it in electrical tape) slide it between the "pad" and the "bow."
you will NOT hear anything to connotate that you have succeeded, you'll simply have to keep pushing the pad towards the rear of the car while pushing the screw driver until the pad slides off.

as to the sound deadening... that mod isnt a sound damper. it only pads the HK speakers. you'll have to get some dynamat and cover the door with it if you're looking to quiet the inside compartment down a bit.

once they're back from the body shop you're ready to go. use the same care you would with any freshly painted item. dont scratch it

 

Oh no! I think I did something wrong. The metal clip on the door is bent, and the plastic notch on the panel is bent as well. It's the one closest to the tweeter. I've only removed the passenger side so far. What did I do wrong? Can I fix these? Will it still install properly? I'm leaving some pics of the damage. Also, I'm going to need to drive around without the panels for a little while. What can I do with the light that was in the bottom of the panel. That thing gets freakin hot! Thank you.

 

It looks like you can just bend the metal clip back into place. I don't know about the plastic part though.

 

It was likely like that when installed at the factory. I took off my panels and found several misaligned and crushed plastic clips. Not a big deal, just bend it up, and align it when installing.
For the light, I'd just tape it to the door.

 

In pre-05's the armrest is held on with tape and three *tiny* torx screws (maybe T5?) at the bottom edge. I've yet to find a way to get to those screws with the panel in place.:impatient