Lower protective door trim removal

[Slippin]

On a 2003 4 dr.Explorer,how do you remove the exterior lower door plastic protective panels?
I see each one has a leading edge lip that bends up under the bottom of each metal door itself,but I can't get those to release.Are there grommets holding the panel to the outside of each door on the other side as well?
..or do they slide off?

 

[workman482]

retaining clips

There should be plastic retaining clips that hold the panels in place. There are little brackets built into the back of the door panel to hold the clips. Here is a picture of the clips:
http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/drm/45319/image/4/

It is usually a good idea to purchase some extra clips before doing anything involving their removal as you will almost always break some in the process. You should be able to find a pack of them at your local parts store. Here is a link to them from autozone:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac..._/N-25ot?counter=0&itemIdentifier=517644_0_0_

There is a special tool to help taking them out without damaging the door panel itself. It kind of looks like a pry bar with a notch cut out of it. It's 6 bucks at autozone, and yes, here is another link
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ca...-10&itemId=1745-10&store=385&productId=103001

You may have to find a picture or diagram to show exactly where they are on the inside of your door panel.

Well, good luck and I hope the info helps.

 

[clarks2001]

Thats for the exterior panel? thought the exterior panel was held on by 2 sided tape or something?

 

[workman482]

newbe mistake

sorry, misread your post. Thought you were asking for interior panel. As far as I know the exterior plastic panel on the lower part of the door is help on by an extremely strong piece of 2-sided tape.

Mind if I ask why you are removing it?

 

[Slippin]

I want to paint mine,and thought it would be easier to remove & then paint.The fact that I can not remove them as easily as I was hoping,and that you both say they are held on with very strong tape,makes me rethink this and just paint them in place.
Thanks guys..

 

[BigRondo]

I want to paint mine,and thought it would be easier to remove & then paint.The fact that I can not remove them as easily as I was hoping,and that you both say they are held on with very strong tape,makes me rethink this and just paint them in place.
Thanks guys..

Slippin, I plan on painting mine as well and decided to paint them in place. The thought of getting all the trim off, painted, and not being able to get it back on was what convinced me. Good luck and be sure to post up pics of the completed work!!

 

[workman482]

Slippin, I plan on painting mine as well and decided to paint them in place. The thought of getting all the trim off, painted, and not being able to get it back on was what convinced me. Good luck and be sure to post up pics of the completed work!!

Yeah, even body shops don't remove them to repaint a vehicle. They just cover them in tape and paper.

 

[BigRondo]

Yeah, even body shops don't remove them to repaint a vehicle. They just cover them in tape and paper.

No sense in opening Pandora's Box.

 

[Slippin]

Thanks..I'll post pics shortly.