Has anyone ever swapped old door innards into new door shells?? What is the best process to go about doing this? I am not wanting to just rush into trying it without hopefully getting a little advise, especially with the tension rods. I do not want to bend or damage them...

Any advise would be great!!
Thanks
Doug  

Yes, I'm in the process of doing this myself.
What I've found is that you will find lots of worn out guides and possibly broken components. I suggest you get the old parts out, then catalog what's in need of replacement and obtain them before reinstall. Up front I bought new plastic retainers and window rollers from NPD. Later to find I needed new felt runs. Nows also a good time to replace the vent wing weatherstriping.

whats the "tension rod" in the window you're refering to?  

Yeah, that does seem to be a good idea for getting started with it at least.
I appreciate your help. Let me know how yours comes out.

The "tension rods" as I call them are the 4 rods that control the locking, and door opening and closing latch...

Thanks again.
Doug  

I agree with jlg2002 100%.  There isn't much more frustrating than getting everything put back together then having to tear it all apart a month later to replace something.  It can get pricey to install all new equipment when the old stuff looks ok, but it will save you a ton of time in the long run, and keep you and your car on the road instead of in the garage.  

Its pretty hard to damage those rods, but the little plastic retainers take a beating over the years. You should be OK just replacing the retainers.  Also do your self a favor and downlaod and enlarge a photo or illustration of the door guts (NPD has pretty good one in their catalog) . It help keep things in perspective during assy and dis-assy.  

So, this weekend I went ahead and tore into the first one. Took me a while to get it all apart and out of the old shell, but it is looking like all I should have to replace on this one will be the door handle spring.
I appreciate all of the help and advice.

Doug  

I am getting ready to do this, except I am using skins vice the whole shell, I am betting, wondering if its a whole lot easier doing this with the skin off, except the locks etc?  

Probably not since most of what was changed is attached to the skin. (and not that difficult to get at)