- First Name
- EMG
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2021
- Threads
- 44
- Messages
- 747
- Reaction score
- 1,546
- Location
- IL/IN border
- Vehicle(s)
- Too many to list.
- Engine
- 2.0L EcoBoost
- Thread starter
- #1
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.
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.
Sponsored
Last edited: