I have replacement arm rests for my 1985 Deville but I don't see any bolts for removal and I don't want to destroy the lens covers, switch panels, etc. How do I get this off without destroying it?

theres screws underneath lights and the switches. get a screwdiver under the short sides of the lights and pop them out. same withe the switches. then get the 2 screws under the big handle and the t-15 screw holding the door handle plate on. pry the door panel off after that and unscrew the old armrest and put it all back together

Yeah, unfortunately the arm rest are bolted to the backside of the entire door panel so you must pull the entire door panel to replace them.

as mentioned above you must pop the lens covers off with a small screw driver and then take out the window controls by popping them out. the window controls have a small clip you must press in that is located on the short, back side. Should be a little cut out to accept the flat screw driver. Just gently push in and pop up.

Once you get the panel off it should be obvious how to remove the armrest

Holy Crap! How hard is it to remove the door panel?

eh, its not hard if your patient and careful.

Their are instructions somewhere on the website that are step by step to remove it. I dont have a link right now though

Basically you have to remove the window controls then the lens covers on the 2 lights.. That will reveal about 5 screws that you need to remove. Then you must be careful when you pull the door panel off. It has little clips holding it to the door, mare sure you pull the clips out of the car dont just pull the clips out of the back of the panel. When you get into it youll see what i mean.

That was how it was on my 93, I never did it on my parents 85, but it looks like it should be the same

Just be careful not to break the panel when you pull on the clips. you can buy new clips from gm they are cheap

good luck and take your time

Tallpat