Tips for removing side vents - drain holes, struggling!

[SoloNomad]

So one of the first jobs I need to do is check the drain holes as I have a bit of water in the luggage compartment behind the drivers seat. I can't see the top of the drain hole as previous owner has put on some hoop roll bars and there's a bit of plastic on string covering that area too, so can't get my head in there at all, I've tried a mirror but with that plastic in the way I still can't find it.

So I'm trying to remove the side vents, following guide on here but really struggling to get these off, it really feels like they are going to snap the fittings, the vent and bodywork just seem to bend, I've got them apart enough to get my fingertips in the vent but when I pull it's not popping off - any other tips?? 

[SoloNomad]

Mmm, I might leave this for another day - I'll get some clips just incase as I think these one's are going to break as I try to get these off and I don't want to be left with not being able to put the vents back on.

Just saw someone doing this on youtube and he pulls the vent off from the back first??

[Ardent]

Some of those cheap trim removing tools can come in handy.
But yes. Not a pleasant feeling and given the age. Snapping the clips/fixings would hardly be a surprise.

[SoloNomad]

Some of those cheap trim removing tools can come in handy.

Good idea, just looked at some and they look a lot more useful than a screwdriver wrapped in tape, I'm sure they'll come in useful for other stuff too - just ordered some, as well as some new clips.

[Joesson]

Some of those cheap trim removing tools can come in handy.

Good idea, just looked at some and they look a lot more useful than a screwdriver wrapped in tape, I'm sure they'll come in useful for other stuff too - just ordered some, as well as some new clips.

Remember the clips are old and plastic so may break, the tools will help. I did manage to get mine off without breaking, but on one side I lost a piece of black plastic, tubular section, 8mm or so diameter and around 50 mm long. It is a spacer of some sort. It fell into the void of the side panel! I made up replacement with the body of a ball point pen.

[Topdownman]

I would spray some lube/swich cleaner onto the 3 areas of the clips once you try again as that should help free them up so they come out with less bending of the vent!

The trim removal tools should really help and you can put a bit of cloth under too to protect the paintwork.

Sometimes the clips come out and sometimes they also come out with the bit they click into but its easy to take them off and put on the car ready to refit.

[Call the midlife!]

A bit of heat helps when you're working with any of the plastic trims, hairdryer or heat gun on low setting makes them more pliable and less likely to break.
The top drain cover can be seen if you lower the roof around halfway and shine a light at the side of the hinge point.

[1979scotte]

A bit of heat helps when you're working with any of the plastic trims, hairdryer or heat gun on low setting makes them more pliable and less likely to break.
The top drain cover can be seen if you lower the roof around halfway and shine a light at the side of the hinge point.

Every word a good piece of advice.
Especially the heat gun now the weather has turned

[Joesson]

A bit of heat helps when you're working with any of the plastic trims, hairdryer or heat gun on low setting makes them more pliable and less likely to break.
The top drain cover can be seen if you lower the roof around halfway and shine a light at the side of the hinge point.

Every word a good piece of advice.
Especially the heat gun now the weather has turned

I was going to mention the application of heat but thought better of it, didn't want to risk excommunication by mentioning hair dryer!

[SoloNomad]

All great advice thanks, will attempt again next weekend armed with trim removal tools, GT85 and a hair dryer ... although that does sound like I'm doing a 'perm'   

[Ardent]

About 2 steps behind @Joesson in terms of lack of hair to be able to perm.

[Joesson]

About 2 steps behind @Joesson in terms of lack of hair to be able to perm.

Need to be a little bit more than 2 steps, don't think that would be quite 2 metres!

[Ardent]

certainly not my steps

[paulj]

When (not if) you break clips your saviour will be www.vehicleclips.co.uk

[SoloNomad]

Thanks for that link paulj, I ordered some from ebay - I think it's the same company. Never gave a thought about car clips and fasteners before, who knew there were sooooooooooo many!