Rocker Trim

Rocker Trim

How does one get the rocker trim off of a V8 SHO? I removed all of the plastic trim retainers and the one screw in the wheel well. it was loose but something was still holding it on the car not willing to let go. I didn't want to pull too hard for fear that I'd break something. what's the trick to getting those things off?

Mike
97 ES
10 TBM
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I never had an issue mine just fell of on the 96 and the 97.

the back locks into the front piece under the b pillars, so it has to come off first.

There are a row of clips across the top line of the panels where they meet the body in the door openings.

These are supposed to be one time use only clips but I and I think others have re used them with no problem.

MY rust was so bad that some of those clips just fell out.

Clare
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I'll take that as a good sign! after removing the plastic retainers I could tell there was something still holding it on. I gave them a few good tugs but I didn't want to force it unless there were screws or some other kind of fastener holding them on that I couldn't see. I'm removing mine post-salt season to do a complete cleaning, rust inspection + undercoating to prevent any impending rust. from the little bit that I could see in there with them loose everything looks great and completely in tact, but I don't it won't stay that way without some attention. so I want to get into it. I guess I just need to apply more force to pop it out of the clips? with the plastic retainers out and the screw(s) removed do they just pull straight away from the car? or what angle do I need to pull to prevent sheering the remaining clips off?

Mike
97 ES
10 TBM
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I pried out with a putty knife and used skinny needle nose to remove the ones that were still doing the factory designed job.
Clare
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sounds simple enough, but how do you gain access to the clips? sounds like some people were using needle nose to release them. from what I could see looks like the clips are located inside the trim where they are completely inaccessible until the trim is actually off the car.

Mike
97 ES
10 TBM
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Got it!

took a little work but I got the rearmost clip to pop out. from there I used my interior trim removal tool with painters tape wrapped around it to prevent scratches, one by one they all popped out. nothing broken. and under them...see the attachments for yourself

nothing's been touched yet, I've got a bit of cleaning to do.

Mike
97 ES
10 TBM

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