Projects & Repairs --> Trim --> Door Panels --> 1990 Mazda Miata
Removing the door panel on a 1990 Mazda Miata.

Removing Door Panels On A 1990 Mazda Miata

Gaining Access To Repair Power Windows, Door Locks, Side Mirrors and More.

(Covers Model Years 1990 to 1997)

In This Article:

The window crank is removed. Various screws are removed and then the door panel is pried away. Snap clips are pried away to separate the panel from the door.

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Skill Level: 2-3 (Basic to Intermediate)

Time Taken: About 25 Minutes

By Jim Wilk, Licensed Auto Body Technician

Start:

This 1990 Mazda Miata has the same door panels as all Miatas from 1990 to 1997.

 Mazda Miata, rear view.

 

Inside view of door panel, 1990 Mazda Miata.

This door panel is made from flex board (hardboard, or Masonite) with a vinyl cover. The soft vinyl can tear if I'm not careful.

The first thing I did was roll the window down... this is a necessary part of the procedure.

 

Then I used a window crank handle removal tool and pushed it under the handle to release the internal spring.

Caution: The spring may pop out, so don't lose it.

 Removing window crank handle with special tool, Mazda Miata.

 

Window crank handle with retainer spring, Mazda. View of back of window handle. The red arrow shows handle retainer spring.

When I replaced the handle I used a pair of needle nose pliers to position the spring back on the handle.

Then I pushed the handle back on the shaft.

 

Using a small screwdriver, I removed the small cover at the top of the inside door pull handle. Removing plastic cover over hidden screw, Mazda Miata 1990.

 

Phillips screw behind cover, top of door pull, Mazda. Behind the cover is a Phillips screw that I removed.

 

Then I removed the two Phillips screws on the underside of the armrest. Screws beneath door armrest, Mazda Miata.

 

Removing screw on inside of door release handle, Mazda Miata. In the center of the inside door latch I removed a Phillips screw fastening the handle cover to the latch.

 

Then I slid the cover off the latch. Sliding cover off latch, 1990 Mazda Miata.

 

Removing speaker cover, 1990 Mazda Miata.

Removing The Speaker Cover:

I used a rigid putty knife to pry and release the snap clips holding the speaker cover to the door panel.

 

View of back side of speaker cover. The round blue things are the snap clips. Back side of speaker cover grille, Mazda.

 

Mazda Miata door panel with speaker removed. The door panel without the speaker cover. Now the door panel is ready to be removed.

 

I used a rigid putty knife to pry the door panel loose.

Caution: Pry near the snap clips and pry gently to prevent damage to vinyl/hardboard panel. If possible, invest in a door panel clip removal tool.

 Prying snap clips on door panel, Mazda Miata.

 

Lifting door panel from car, Mazda Miata 1990 through 1997. Then I pushed in gently at the top of the panel and pulled up to unhook the panel from the metal lip on the door.

 

View of back of door panel. Back of car door panel, Mazda Miata.

 

Mazda door with panel removed, showing parts inside door. View of metal door shell with dust cover removed.

 

More Info:

Tools Used:

  • Window Crank Handle removal tool
  • Small Flat Screwdriver
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Rigid Putty Knife

Materials Used:

  • None

Related Articles:

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Written September 3, 2009