Rocker Panel Molding (Side Skirt) Removal

[nadved]

Hi, I have a 2000 sunfire SE and I have been trying to remove the driver side rocker panel molding. So far I have removed all the screws and nuts that were in place, so the only things holding the molding/side skirt in place are the clips. But I am having a difficult time figuring out how to remove the molding/side skirt without breaking the clips or causing damage to the body frame.

Could someone please tell me whats the best way to go about removing the molding without breaking the clips? does it require special tools?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. A picture of the clip can be found here http://www.autoline.se/eu/Catalogues/Images/81Sida 385-455 och 483-564.pdf (search 19008)

 

[melsg5]

Check in an autobody supply catalog. You need something that will squeeze the clip on the pointy end. You may want to purchase some additional clips before starting the project.

 

[nadved]

The problem is that I dont have access to the pointy end of the clip. I'll try posting a picture of what I can access later on.

 

[melsg5]

I had a 2003 and tried carefully poping off the molding by hand. I broke some of the clips and replaced them. I dont think they were ment to be reused.

I found this comment on another site

... If I lay belly down in the mud, I can see little access holes, with rubber grommets in them. I can just reach in and compress the back of the clip, with a pair of ''hook-nosed, needle-nosed pliers. I can re-use the old ones ... the day is saved, etc.


Push on the rocker panel, towards the front and the rocker panel should slide and pop off.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7911686_replace-chevy-rocker-panels.html