Removing (attempt) the plastic rocker panels covers (skirts)... with pics .. REVISED

[vezpa]

I wanted to remove my plastic rocker panel covers so I can undercoat the rocker panels which is a prime source for rust on most vehicles exposed to salt. The clips are not the ones I am familiar with from previous work. I didn't want to break them. As a member stated below, you have to push them up n the middle with a screwdriver and then pull them down. I used a forked body clip removal tool to pull them down. There were a couple normal plug style clips as you can see in the first pic that just pulled out with the forked removal tool.

I found that the clips will break, no matter how careful you are. No big deal. Loosening it did make the plastic trim panel loose enough that you can pull it away from the body far enough while spraying that there is no need to remove it completely. There are still several plastic parts of that rocker (skirt) that clip directly into the metal rocker underneath as I can see them when I pull the covers out to look. There is a damn good chance they will break especially since its 35 degrees in my garage now working with brittle plastic. I also don't know how much or how long it would take to get replacements from Ford since these trucks just came out. I will stuff some rags behind the cover to push it out slightly and give me about 2 inches of play to spray behind there without removing and possibly breaking the plastic panel.

I have attached some pics so you can see what I'm talking about. I'm not a YouTube blogger taking videos but thought I would share this for any of you planning to undercoat your vehicle.

On a side not a TON of leaves and debris were already behind these moldings. I have parked the truck in my garage since I got it. All of this crap must have gotten into there before I took delivery. This may be a problem for many of you that get a lot of tree litter or park your truck outside.

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[felsf50]

Pop up the center and pull out.

 

[jwilson]

Ah, the infamous Ford ruster, er, rocker panels. Filing this idea away for when I get the truck, will save me that Bondo heartache years from now.

 

[camarox]

I hopped under mine that just arrived and am now trying to figure out how to remove the 100+ of these for spraying in the fall..

 

[camarox]

Anyone ever get it fully removed?

 

[Montana]

I am installing rokblokz and also having an issue with these. I noticed there was a TON of debris wedged inside of them. No idea how it could have ever gotten in there. It's like pine needles and small twigs. Bought used with 11k on it and even still, how tf does that happen? It's like someone stuff it down in there. Even with all the off roading I've done in my life I've never seen so much debris wedged into such an odd spot. First thing that came to mind was critters, but no sign of it. The foam between the panels is in tact and it's just leaves and such. Almost like the previous owner parked on top of a bush.

This is why I'm servicing EVERYTHING. Can never be too sure with even a low mileage used vehicle.

Regardless, these clips are stupid. Why FORD? Why?

 

[unclerunkle]

I made a video of how to remove the rocker panel clips here

 

[Montana]

I made a video of how to remove the rocker panel clips here

Awesome! Thank you so much. This will make undercoating so much easier. I think I'm still going to buy a couple spares to be safe.

 

[TCPTX65]

I made a video of how to remove the rocker panel clips here

I was using a small screwdriver to release the upper clips and then pulling down and sliding off. Never thought of twisting them. Thank you for making me smarter.

 

[Shakesbear]

Ah, the infamous Ford ruster, er, rocker panels. Filing this idea away for when I get the truck, will save me that Bondo heartache years from now.

So glad I've never had this issue down here in Texas. All I have to worry about are the plastic rocker panels melting

 

[BeachBum]

I made a video of how to remove the rocker panel clips here

Just want to thank you for this video. I got a set of RokBlokz for Christmas and finally got around to installing them. I was installing the last mudflap and one of their plastic clips slipped from my fingers and disappeared into the void. After watching your video, I was able to remove the rocker panel cover clips and retrieve the RokBlokz clip.

Thanks again @unclerunkle!!

 

[unclerunkle]

Just want to thank you for this video. I got a set of RokBlokz for Christmas and finally got around to installing them. I was installing the last mudflap and one of their plastic clips slipped from my fingers and disappeared into the void. After watching your video, I was able to remove the rocker panel cover clips and retrieve the RokBlokz clip.

Thanks again @unclerunkle!!

Glad I was able to help!

 

[papaacer]

I definitely want to revive this thread as I am having trouble: How do you get the rest of the rocker panel off? I want to PTM mine and legit the clips that hold the upper portion of the rocker panels kept breaking. It's a royal PITA. Any tips?

 

[gzebrick]

Thank you for posting this. The youtube video with the needle nose did the trick!

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