docmirror

I know some have taken the rocker panels off for paint. I can't find much with search and the WSM is silent on removal.

I'll be taking them off next week to get it into the paint shop. I can replace all the retainer clips but it would be nice if I could get it off complete and back on again without too much damage.

Ideas would be appreciated.

RajDatta

They are not expensive. You should change the clips. They are designed to break easy.

docmirror

So, these clips are intended to be a one-time use part?

mbardeen

I don't think they are entirely one-time use. I have successfully extracted a few on mine without breaking them. One of the cheap nylon trim removal tool sets will have what you need to get them off with damaging them.

Something like:
http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...set-67021.html

tamathumper

When new, these plastic clips were perhaps multi-use. Now almost 20 years later, they are pretty much break-and-replace, just like a lot of the wiring zip loops, cable and hose clips, and even the hall sender connector under the hood.

I just bought a used set of shark fins to replace mine - they are not perfect but are arguably in better condition. I rolled the dice and ordered half enough of each type of clip, figuring I'll be able to salvage some and I'll break some others. The shark fins were used and came with, you guessed it, about half of the clips intact, so I got a bonus.

jeff968

PM me with your email address. I have a nice write up on the fix process.
Jeff

odurandina

getting close to using some type of small head screws to keep the rocker panel

on my driver's side from migrating and slipping off... this design pisses me off.

jeff968

How about two sided molding tape? You can stack the pieces. 3M makes it and they use it on all sorts of auto moldings and emblems.

tamathumper

Are the underside bolt holes all broken or something?

pontifex4

I was able to get both of mine off and back on during the torsion bar delete without breaking any, and I'm no brain surgeon. That said, the clips may have been replaced at some point prior to my getting in there.

tamathumper

The "new" shark fins I bought have several broken clips and some kind of epoxy crap on them, so that'll be getting scraped off before anything else.

odurandina

no, they are held on by the clips that are the subject of the thread. the clips are fine.

but, it appears, the two plastic panels have shrunken—causing them to no-longer join together properly.




looking for something a bit more in the heavy artillery context.

damn **** is sharding (separating) right off the car. gets windy out there.

jeff968

You would be surprised how strong the tape is. Are you going to be in CT with the car anytime soon? i have an entire role of the tape. Stop by and we'll get it done in no time and then go grab some lunch.

odurandina

wow, that would be really cool. perhaps we could meet the afternoon of Saturday, the 6th of October

after Cars and Coffee in Westchester. Co.

.

Lord_Galva

I pulled the rockers off for painting a few months ago and a few of them where "tired" of working. They where cheap from Sunset so I ordered both sides. Looks great now.

Oh, and Doc. If you need help with re-assembly I have tons of reference pictures I snapped just in case.
And if you haven't removed the doors already. GOOD LUCK. I mean it. That is got to be the hardest part of the whole body assembly/dis-assembly program.
Tip: Big connector harness first. Small second =p