Abstract: A split outer panel construction for a vehicle door includes an upper/outer panel member fixed to the window frame of the inner door panel. The lower edge of the upper/outer panel includes a fin which fits within a slot formed in the upper inboard edge of a removably attachable lower/outer panel member. Door hardware can be easily assembled onto the exposed inner panel prior to attaching the lower/outer panel to the door.

Abstract: A main door unit including an inner/outer panel subassembly is mounted to the vehicle in a generally conventional manner so that it can be painted along with other parts of the vehicle during on-line assembly. However, the inner panel includes a generally centrally located enlarged opening therein and is devoid of any substantial door hardware during painting. The door hardware including the window glass, lower front and rear glass tracks and the regulator mechanisms for the window are mounted to a plate to form an integral door hardware module. After painting, the module is mounted to the inner panel with the window glass tracks mating with upper glass tracks in the inner/outer panel subassembly. The plate covers the opening in the inner panel and a trim pad can be used to cover the plate and peripheral portions of the exposed interior inner panel for cosmetic purposes.