Rusty,
Is it possible to take a few pieces off at a time until you finally get the panel ready to come off? Knowing once you get started you won't want to stop.

 

Right now I have to drive it once a day, With the arm rest off and the window up, there is no way to pull the door shut. Supposed to cool a little this weekend. Hoping to figure out something then.

 

I know this sounds crude, but could you put one of the armrest screws in only part way so you don't hit the glass and tie a piece of rope/cord to it to pull the door closed until you can complete the removal? Those screws are pretty large and should handle closing the door a few times if I remember correctly. What do you think?

 

I could try, but on a custom door, the plastic panel is the only things the screws go in. The took out the original Ford screws that go into metal.

 

That rock idea is starting to look better and better all the time ! (just kidding)

 

I have to try to make do with this van for a while. A tree fell on my car a few weeks back, and just left me this thing to drive for now.

 

I tore it down and couldn't figure out how to get to the motor. You can't see it and I couldn't find it with my hand. There are no instructions in the Haynes manual. I can find nothing on line. I have looked for a diagram of the inside of the door with no luck. Guess I will have to come up with enough money to get someone to fix it. Are the original motors riveted in or screwed in? Do you have to pull the regulator out to get to the motor? I have worked on cars for 50 years and this is the first time I have been this stumped.

 

There should be some access holes in the door to get the pieces out.
Have you tried the old mirror and flashlight trick to look inside and see where everything is?

 

Still can't see anything. Some people tell me the regulator must come out. Some say it doesn't. The regulator is riveted in.