T-Panel Removal

(Pictures original HOWTO by Jordan Rubin, 6thOct2003)

TOOLS

• Screwdriver, Phillips
• Tube, RTV sealant
• Pliers, Needlenose
• Heavy duty weatherproof tape

OPTIONAL

• Razor blade
• Flathead screwdriver

DELOREAN PARTS REQUIRED:

• 3 x M4 Screw covers (#106115)
• Insulation, roof panel (#106722)

The parts required are only listed because after many years these parts may break when working on them. The screw covers also may have been glued back on as in my case and cracked when removed. The insulation may tear during panel removal. Just a precaultion.

PREFACE

To remove the T-panel and replace T-panel. The T-panel would be removed for several reasons.
1. To replace a damaged T-panel
2. To find a leak in the pan under the panel
3. To access the electrical connections between the doors. ie mirrors, locks

Part 1 : Location and removal of the 3 rear screws

	Notice the location of the three screw caps holding on the upper rear glass screen. Try to remove these caps carefully with the needle nose pliers.
	The caps in this case were glued on and cracked, also discolored by the sun. These would be replaced.
	Removing the caps would expose the screws.
	The screws will simply be removed with the screwdriver
	With the last screw removed, the upper rear glass screen can be removed.

Part 2: Location and removal of the 6 front screws

	Each side of the T-panel has 3 screws under the weatherstripping. You will have to peel away the weatherstripping from the back of the T-panel completely. If done carefully the weatherstripping can be reattached using RTV taped in place to dry. Here is the hole for the first screw, where the T-panel meets the side panel.
	Here is the hole for the second screw under the weather stripping.
	The last screw is really close to the torsion bar, be carefull when removing this one. Repeat these steps for the other side of the car.

Part 3 : Removal of the T-Panel

	The T-panel must be pulled from the back part , towards the back of the car , to get out from under the lip in the front of the car. It may take a little work to get the panel out after 20+ years. Be carefull, the ends of the panel are very sharp!!! Put the panel somewhere safe!
	Notice this car has no insulation, just double sided tape towards the front of the car. Yours may not look like that. Now would be a good time to take a sponge and clean up the fiberglass underbody and the flanges on the side panels.
	Pulling back the tape in the middle would expose the cover to the wire access.
	The panel is sealed with RTV or silicon. Cutting around the width with a razor and prying it off with a flathead screwdriver will bring it right off.
	Under this panel will expose the wires from the doors into the car. Remember, this panel must be resealed with RTV like it was found. Heavy duty weatherproof tape should go back over it.

Completion: Re-installation may be done in reverse

NOTE:
*** MAKE SURE RESEALING JOB IS DONE RIGHT.
*** A WIRE OR REAK PROBLEM MAY REQUIRE GOING DEEPER AND REMOVING THE WHOLE CENTER PLATE
*** BE CAREFULL WHEN WORKING NEAR TORSION BARS