need help removing a body panel

SVT3183 · May 27, 2005

i'm getting the small panel next to my quarter window repainted and i can save about 100 bucks if i do the removal myself. as expected, the chilton's has nothing about it. does anyone have any experience or know where i can get some directions to remove this piece? it's a '95. thanks.

DFG 5OH · May 27, 2005

I've heard that gently pulling will remove it.

SVT3183 · May 27, 2005

i had a feeling that it could just be pulled off because i know that the bottom just pops out. i didn't want to just start yanking on it though until someone could confirm this. what made me skeptical is that the guy at the body shop said that they have it listed as like 2 hours of labor. i know they always over exaggerate but i figured it might be more than just pulling on it. anybody ever just pull it off?

harley02 · May 27, 2005

If you are talking about the outside panel you have to remove the interior plastic (which just pops off.) The C pillar (outside panel) comes off after removing the screws from the inside of the car.
Same goes for the panel (outside) that runs along the top of the door. Hope this helps.

Chythar · May 27, 2005

harley02 said:
If you are talking about the outside panel you have to remove the interior plastic (which just pops off.) The C pillar (outside panel) comes off after removing the screws from the inside of the car.
Same goes for the panel (outside) that runs along the top of the door. Hope this helps.

That wasn't my exact experience. What you've described IS the way to remove the panel, but the top edge is stuck under the front strip - the one that runs across and down the front pillar. Don't know the name of that piece, unfortunately. I tried to remove the front strip, but I couldn't find all the screws to remove it. I tried to just pop it off, thinking it was just snapped in place. No luck, and I ended up putting a small crack in mine.

Anyone been able to remove the outer C pillar panel?

harley02 · May 27, 2005

When I had my interior out I could see the screws that hold the C pillar on from inside of the car. Now after removing the screws I dont know if it just falls off or what.

SVT3183 · May 27, 2005

thanks a lot harley. i'll try this probably over the nexy week and see what happens.

RIO5.0 · May 27, 2005

You talking about these little mothers??? sail panels...

the front and rear sections are secured together by a interlocking tab....they both have to be loose to unlock that tab or it WILL break...its not a very rugged locking tab....
Inside plastic...
take the interior plastic out all the way thru the back seats....couple screws here and there out back....then all the panel's pull STRAIGHT out....as in your facing it...front A pillar too...
Outside panels...
go inside the car and remove the 4 or 5 bolts running towards the back panel....remove the 4 or 5 holding the back panel...once done...
the front section has one bolt in the door jamb... the panel going up the window is secured in with inserts, 4 or so...just pry straight up starting at the bottom of the window...their fairly easy to come out...on re-assy time just line em up and push em back in....pretty tit...
the 2 panels can be lifted off together...once off the car you can see how the locking tab works...its fairly easy...but easier off the car.....same deal on re-assy....re-lock then reset the assy in the holes....

Interior plastic removed...remove coat hanger screw...pull seatbealt cover and remove Torx bolt ( T-50 )pull the panel towards you...it'll pop out of the clips holding it...Now you can see the (5) recessed nuts to remove. 4 along the top, 1 down bottom.

You can see all the rear bolts holes with tape on em..way in the corner by the trunk theres a plastic insert the panel sets in...

SVT3183 · May 27, 2005

good directions... thanks rio

RIO5.0 · May 27, 2005

SVT3183 said:
good directions... thanks rio

I had the luxury of having a Ford body man help me disassemble mine for paint...it was sweet...he knew all the tricks...

All I can say is take both off in one pc...then take it apart off the car...you fiddle F@%$ around with it on the car trying to undo it and somethings gonna get cracked or scratched.... ... :damnit:
If I recall I think they have to be lifted in the air some to disconnect the lock tab...

WHITE94COBRA · May 27, 2005

In case anybody wants to know its called a sail fin and it slides into the top piller you have to push it back and up a little to remove it.

RIO5.0 · May 29, 2005

SVT3183 said:
good directions... thanks rio

Not so good...I was looking at mine the other day as I was taking it out after 9 freakin days of rain...
anyway...I believe I left out one step.....The weatherstripping has to come out....Fret not...its comes out pretty slick and re-installing it is about the same...

look at the end of the weatherstrip and you'll see 4- 5 Black push-pins on both ends...use something " NOT SHARP" or you'll scuzz up your paint, to slide under them and push em up....starting at the front, pull the strip out position....its kinda tucked into a groove or channel of sorts.....once thats out youll see a metal channel up top...remove the 4-5 screws and pull it out....now you'll have access to the nuts to remove the sail fin....
I noticed this as I got in mine and looked up to see only cloth running above my head......ahhhhh yes I remember, the weatherstrip has to be removed....

need help removing a body panel

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