I just realized my new door panels are generic and have no holes for the
window handle and the arm rest. what is the best way to punch a hole in the
vinyl. does it need reinforcing. I am thinking of grinding a piece of black
pipe to a knife edge and use that to "punch" a hole in the vinyl. Any
suggestions.

this should help

http://www.international-auto.com/fiat- ... spider.cfm

what happened to the spring. most of my fiats have a large tapered spring that holds the panel tight against either the window roll up or the door handle. dont remember which. those are a trick set of scissors he has. My experience is to replace all those hole covers with plastic, caulked to the door. better weather seal and less panel warpage. forgot all about the window sweep