[FWDLK] Responses -Removing Trim clips

[Scott H <kneedrager@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks to all that responded. I figure there are others interested so here
are the responses.
I am considering using a die to cut threads onto the posts and putting them
back on with a nut and washer. Any thoughts on this?  Are the posts too
fragile to mess with?
Scott

Use a small bladed screwdriver and slightly bend the tabs upwards around the
studs. Not too far or they break. If you have no choice, then break tabs off
and not the stud. The spring steel tabs are avaliable at Home Depot is
various sizes or auto parts stores.
ED

I always pried it up a little with a screwdriver, then pulled it off with a
needle nose pliers. Then I'd take it and put it on the flat part of the vise
and hammer it flat and use it to put the emblems back on.
Nick

Ive had good luck using pliers, gripping the spring clip and "unscrewing" it
in one direction Once the "threads" start cutting, it seems to screw right
off.
Roger

I assume you are referring to the spring clips around the little posts. I
use one of two methods. One is to twist them off like a nut at an angle. The
other is to pry loose and take a needle nose pliers and bend into a "v".
This opens the spring and allows the clip to slide off. In either case, new
clips are required for replacement.
Ken

Yes, there are flat barbs that are springloaded from each side. You must
carefully pry a small jewelers screwdriver under one barb and bend it up an
away enough to clear the post. The posts are typically pot metal and will
not tolerate any stress, pulling, prying, or bending. If done right, the
spring clips can be reused by flattening.
Richard

Oil helps a lot. Also, you should still be able to by a clip that will
work... Better to cut the old clip to get it off, than break the piece your
tyring to save.
Joe P

I discovered something that worked good for me. I took a #16 nail and ground
down the sides to almost the size of a needle and bent the end up just a
little. You need to start your grinding about a 1/4 inch up from the end.
Push the ground down end into the crack of the clip and work it in slowly on
either side. When you get it in far enough the clip should release and come
off. It worked fine for me and hope you have the same luck.
Mackey

In the process of removing D-E-S-O-T-O F-i-r-e-d-o-m-e and assorted others I
developed a technique that worked well for me. I used an ice pick?... Maybe
an awl would work if sharpened.  Push it in between the clip base and the
part that's pushed up and holds the trim. Rather than pry, push it through
the space. That will gently lift the clip ear up and away from the trim. Do
that on both sides and the clip should almost fall off. The clip can be bent
back down later.
Roger

If you don't mind destroying the clips, better to use new improved ones
anyway, try using a small pair of tin snips to gently split the clip and
loosen from the bezel post. You will chew up the bezel post or worst when
using the screwdriver method.
Gary

The method I have used is to grip those little plates across the narrow
dimension with a pliers straight on, the rotate back and forth while appling
 a light/moderate pull. Sometimes they unscrew and sometimes they gradually
slip off. Be careful not to break off the pins from the script. Work it
slowly. The pins may also get a little chewed up. These things are designed
to push on quickly at the factory and grip, unfortunately with no thought of
removal. A drop of oil may also help.
The 1/4 panel scripts that I have removed in the past from a few cars have
been retained with hex nuts made of sheet metal. These form a cup and are
usually used with a spot of dum-dum (like tar) to seal out water from the
trunk. Much easier to unscrew with a wrench behind the gas filler area.
These may be better for reassembly. The flat plates are more often used on
the hood scripts.
Dave















> From: Scott H <kneedrager@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Reply-To: Scott H <kneedrager@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [FWDLK] Removing Trim clips?
> Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2001 20:41:46 -0000
>
> Does anyone have any helpful hints on how to remove the metal clips that
> hold the name plates to to rear 1/4 panels?
> The name plates have a round pin or peg that goes through the hole in the
> 1/4 and there is  a rectangular piece of spring steel with a hole in the
> center that is pressed onto the pin and holds it in place.
>
> When I removed the Dodge plate from the hood I ended up bending one up
> pretty bad. The others I worked off real slow with a screwdriver.
> Is the a technique to this?
>
> Thanks,
> Scott
> _________________________________________________________________
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