86 to 87-93 Door Panel Mod

[LqDFx]

Looks like I found the mustang that I am getting. It is an 86 GT. The only thing that I do not like about it is the interior door panels. I can not stand having the door locks on the bottom of the door! I had one once before and I kept locking my keys in the car when I got out since I would hit the switch!

Is it possible to install the interior panels from the 87-93 doors on a 86? The car has power windows and locks. Will the newer button panel link up with some modifications and the panel just go right on? Or maybe I just need the arm rest with the button panel?

Also, any links to get the parts I may need... I was thinking of going to the junk yards this summer and getting the parts. Changing the interior from "pimp" red to grey... alot of work, but worth it!

[FoxChassis]

If you want Plug-n-Play, get '87-'93 vintage:

door panels
arms rests
switch assemblies
wiring harnesses

Remove old arm rests, door panels (including switches), arm rest clips, and wiring harnesses (unplug from power lock actuator, power window motor, and connector inside kick panel). Discard everything except arm rest bolts.

Install new harness and connect all ends (except for speaker and power mirror connectors). Mock-up door panel (don't plug in switches yet) and scribe, punch, or mark holes to be drilled for arm rest bolts and speaker grill screw. Remove door panel and drill appropriate sized holes. Attach door panel to door.

If you don't want Plug-n-Play and would rather cut, splice, crimp, and or solder the existing harness to the new switch assemblies, which wire goes where is up to you or someone else to figure out.

[LqDFx]

Thanks for the info! I am looking on Mustang Proformance Parts for the Parts nessecary to do the conversion.

When I do it, I will put the new digital camea to good use and take pictures and post a "How I did it" along with the part numbers and site to get them in the forms. That way, any one else that wants the info can get it.

[madmike8]

You know... things like this need to be in a Tech Section of FEP... That way good info can be found easily... There's been some really good information go thru here lately...

[FoxChassis]

Be aware there were three different shades of gray for the '87 through '93 model years....

Smoke - '87-'89
Titanium - '90-'92
Opal Gray - '93

[TOO MUCH FUN]

I did it on mine and just matched the wires into the connector. the other problems were that the armrest bolt holes are a couple of inches off and need to be re-cut, pretty easy with a dremel and cutting wheel. Then the 886 doors themselves do not have the speaker opening cut into them. Once again pulll out the old dremel or even a jigsaw.

[IWL BCNU]

Hmm, I took the complete door panels, switches and wiring and it was plug and play at the connector in the kick panel. And everything just lined up on my 85. 86 should be the same.

[FoxChassis]

Arm rest bolts don't go into the door in the same location. And the speed clips can't be used unless you cut holes and or notches for them to fit into and sit correctly. Drilling holes into the door and bolting the armrests directly to the door instead of to the speed clips is easier.

There's also no hole (in the '79-'86 door) for the screw than goes through the ('87-'93 door panel's) speaker grill.

[IWL BCNU]

It's been a few years, but I just popped out the plastic speed clip and moved it to the correct location. My t-top doors had the extra holes for the arm rest.
I have added door speakers so I did work around the bottom area.