I've searched, and I'm probably missing what I need buried deep in some multi-page thread session so please just forgive me and help me... I need specific procedures to follow on the following... Replacing upper/lower door seals Replacing inner/outer window beltline strips Replacing window channel fuzzies Replacing upper/lower control arms Replacing inner/outer tie-rod ends Also, a few misc questions about the above... Door Seals: Can the little "buttons" be reused and if so how do you get them out without destroying them? Beltline Trim & Channel fuzzies: Can these be replaced without removing door glass? If I do need to remove glass or get inside the doors, how do I get the panels off without damaging them? Thank you!!! Edit: Let me explain a little further...LOL...my son is very concerned about the work we need to do on his car. We have a very good track record of taking things apart. And not such a good record of getting them back together. So I promised to ask on here for step-by-step instructions on the big stuff. (I managed to get the window crank handles and door-lock knobs replaced just fine thank you very much.)
Use a large flat head screwdriver to remove those little "buttons", just gently pry them out. If I remember correctly the new weather stripping comes with new ones, either way they are easy to find at any auto parts store. They have a little tool for them also, but a screwdriver works just the same. From replacement of the upper and lower door seals, just peel it off, clean it up, and use some 3M weatherstrip adhesive (black perferably) and just re-glue it in the same places that the factory did. The belt line just pops out of the door, use a thin flat head screwdriver, it can be done with the glass in place (row the window down), but it may need to be trimmed, as they can be too long. The channel fuzzies just pull out, you can slide it down into the door with the help of a little silicone spray. As for upper & lower control arms, and tie rods, buy yourself a set of FORD service manuals, it'll have step by step instructions, and all the torque values you'll need to get the job done.
The only things I can add: 1. I would suggest removing the window glass to do the beltline weatherstrip. Definitly remove it to do the door channel "fuzzies". 2. In putting on the new lower door weatherstrip, the "metal" part of the weatherstrip goes to the front of the door. Don't glue that part down. It needs to be able to move when the door opens and shuts.
I will add: There is a tool that looks like a bent screwdriver but the tip is forked or split. It straddles the push in fastener, and the bend acts as a lever to assist in popping the fastener out. It makes it a breeze to pop out fasteners, and they're not too expensive. Not required, you can use a screwdriver as suggested above, but once you use the forked tool, you'll never use a screwdriver to pop panels and fasteners again.....
Thanks guys - after looking quite a bit more online, I'm starting to lean toward paying a shop to do the suspension work. Is this the average "car guy" like me can accomplish? also the weatherstripping didn't come with any of the little buttons...
The upper control arms are the only parts that need any special tools. The tools can be borrowed/rented at some parts stores like OReiley. You need a spring compressor to pull the spring off of the upper arm. You don't necessarely have to take it out just pull it up. I find it safer and easier that way. All the rest is pretty much remove and replace. I would count the turns taking the tie rods off. I have not put the door glass stuff and I am thinking that I might install mine the hard way by gutting the doors if I have to. I have seen where someone commented that they slid there's in using silicone and I noticed it was moving and looked like it wanted to slip out. Matter of fact now I am wondering if I even have it in my AK box I got years ago. Now I have to go look
On the suspension.....are you sure you NEED to replace this stuff? I would suggest getting the suspension checked out at a shop and see what actually NEEDS replaced.
Yup. They are in the box. All the packages say what they are except those two packages. I was almost tempted to do something to the car as I was out there looking at it.. almost
The entire front suspension looks original except the springs and shocks which were recently replaced. Bushings are hard and cracking and everything is caked with grime. I just want to be sure it's safe and new, and I already have all the parts in hand. I figured it would pretty much be just as easy to do it all as to do a few pieces here and there.
