I am revamping the interior in my '97 LX Sedan.

Finished the headliner and now I'm ready to install matching fabric on front/back door panels.

I have removed the first of the door panels but can't figure out how to remove the old inserts.

Some of the threads that I have seen show the entire insert being removed from the door panel and then being reattached after the fabric is replaced. However, it appears that my door panels are one-piece, molded plastic. There is a channel around the perimeter of the insert and the channel has numerous holes. It appears that the edges of the insert are folded under and glued into this channel. However, I'd like to hear from someone who has done this project before I start trying to pry the insert loose from the door.

 

In case any one else is contemplating this project, the insert backer is indeed part of the door panel. Once the armrest and hardware is removed from the door panel, the fabric can be pulled off the front of the door panel. Then, cut a matching piece of fabric and glue to the door panel. The edges can be tucked into the channel around the insert. I chose to get some black 1/8" rubber piping at Home Depot and ran around the channel to cleanup the edges. This is the same stuff used to assemble window screens in your house.

 

I did not attempt a DIY, but here are some pics.