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Hi,
Since some friendly waste of oxygen punched a screwdriver through my lock, I need to replace it. How do you get the inner door panel off ? The Haynes says to push the liner in to access a clip, but there's nowhere near enough flex. I'm thinking the manual is for an earlier year since it refers to a "supplement" for the 1988, which was less than enlightening.

Take a piece of wire (like coathanger wire) and make a small hook in the end

Take a screwdriver and prise the door trim in enough to get the hook behind the winder.

Use the hook to pull the little clip out and bobs ya uncle.

Is the space for the clip directly behind the handle ?

yes it is.......

Also putting a rag over it is a good idea, those clips go flying and are hard to find.

I know I can change an MY door handle in 20 minutes, but the L series locks and door handles from my recollection are a bloody nightmare, doesn't the window glass get in the way? I'd remove the whole interior trim first, pop all the clips, unscrew the door arm rest, the triangle up near the mirror, oh heck, the weather strip is then a bugger isn't it? The trim should pop up off the door for easier work access