Plastic Door Applique...how does it come off?
06-23-2004, 01:13 AM
#12
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Ok, the factory service manual left some questions, and it was a bit different than the same trim applique on the REAR door B pillar, so I tore my car apart. No kidding.
Instead of the HARD way.....there'* only one screw. Your new panel should give you an idea of how far down it is. The screw is accessed from the OUTSIDE. Roll down the window, and gently (with a dull screwdriver or butter knife) pull the rubber window seal away from the INTERIOR trim edge. Down near the bottom edge of the window opening from the OUTSIDE. You'll see the screw there. The FSM says it'* a torx, but mine are all phillips. Remove the screw carefully. You don't want to drop it down into the door and have to remove the door panel to get it.
After the screw is removed, you SHOULD be able to slide the applique (trim panel) UPWARDS along the door edge off the weatherstripping. This part is very similar to the opposing panel I replaced on the rear door.
Installation is the reverse, but make sure you pay attention to the way the weatherstripping was tucked into the interior trim piece and applique (the piece you're replacing). You can tuck it back in with a small dull screwdriver. Use rubbing alcohol to lube it if necessary, and it'll evaporate after you're done (old window replacement trick
)
So in a NUTSHELL.....look at the new applique panel. Locate the screw hole near the bottom, and figure out where it should be on the OUTSIDE of the car with the window rolled down. Dig for the screw, and remove it. Slide the panel UP and off the door. Reverse your steps.
I really figured mine out 'on the fly', and the hole location for the screw is what gave it away. I didn't have the factory service manuals at the time, and I'm glad I didn't, because it took alot less time my way.
Good luck! I DON'T think you'll need pics, but I can still shoot them if you want. It won't take long to tear that apart again.
Instead of the HARD way.....there'* only one screw. Your new panel should give you an idea of how far down it is. The screw is accessed from the OUTSIDE. Roll down the window, and gently (with a dull screwdriver or butter knife) pull the rubber window seal away from the INTERIOR trim edge. Down near the bottom edge of the window opening from the OUTSIDE. You'll see the screw there. The FSM says it'* a torx, but mine are all phillips. Remove the screw carefully. You don't want to drop it down into the door and have to remove the door panel to get it.
After the screw is removed, you SHOULD be able to slide the applique (trim panel) UPWARDS along the door edge off the weatherstripping. This part is very similar to the opposing panel I replaced on the rear door.
Installation is the reverse, but make sure you pay attention to the way the weatherstripping was tucked into the interior trim piece and applique (the piece you're replacing). You can tuck it back in with a small dull screwdriver. Use rubbing alcohol to lube it if necessary, and it'll evaporate after you're done (old window replacement trick
)So in a NUTSHELL.....look at the new applique panel. Locate the screw hole near the bottom, and figure out where it should be on the OUTSIDE of the car with the window rolled down. Dig for the screw, and remove it. Slide the panel UP and off the door. Reverse your steps.
I really figured mine out 'on the fly', and the hole location for the screw is what gave it away. I didn't have the factory service manuals at the time, and I'm glad I didn't, because it took alot less time my way.
Good luck! I DON'T think you'll need pics, but I can still shoot them if you want. It won't take long to tear that apart again.
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