Remove interior plastic panels (1992 Chateau van)

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Mar 6, 2005 | 08:13 PM

lp92chateau

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From: Lower Mainland, BC

Remove interior plastic panels (1992 Chateau van)

I need to remove the plastic panelling from the rear doors and cargo area to do some minor camperization... took a look, removed a couple screws from fixtures & stuff, but the panels don't seem to want to budge...

are there tricks to getting these off?

or does anyone know any places to go to get a procedure for removing them? (nothing in my Haynes manual... )

thanks in advance!
Larry

Mar 6, 2005 | 08:29 PM

kynnhoj

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From: Toledo, Ohio

The upper half of the panels come off first. (remove screws from window latches and upper panels are held on by plastic tabs that are molded in to metal spring retrainers that are attached to the doors. The lower panels have 2 screws that are revealed after removing the upper panel. After screws are removed the lower panel lifts up and the off. Good luck and you might want to use a paint scraper under the upper panels to pry them out ( they will just pop out of the retainers) Same with the side panels ( upper first) John

Mar 7, 2005 | 12:06 AM

Tree

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I had the same thing happen on the side door, could not seem to get to the tabs that hold the upper window trim on. Do you have to remove the entire window? (including upper hinges) to get to them, I could feel the tabs, but could not get them to release.

Where exactly is the paint scraper inserted?

Thanks, tree

Mar 7, 2005 | 06:18 PM

kynnhoj

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From: Toledo, Ohio

Tree, The tabs are just a friction fit. Put the blade between the plastic and the door itself and lever/pry the panel out. The window stays in place, just the opener/latch is removed to free up the panel. John

Mar 7, 2005 | 06:53 PM

lp92chateau

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From: Lower Mainland, BC

thanks for the info John

I believe you are saying just (carefully) pry straight out. (I was guessing that maybe everything was "hooked" into place and that the panels needed to be pried upwards, but I guess you're saying it's simpler than that. I pried a bit on the upper panel on the rear door, but felt like it was going to break... I'll try again)

Mar 7, 2005 | 08:21 PM

kynnhoj

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From: Toledo, Ohio

Tree, Yes, it is pretty un-nerving but it will eventually pull out of the retainers. The lower panels lift "up" after removing the screws. (there are L shaped fingers molded into the panels, you'll soon see) John

Mar 7, 2005 | 08:31 PM

Tree

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John, wish I could post attachments, but to do it verbally, you are saying to slip the paint scraper into the left and right outside edge of the plastic trim, down low, and just pry it straight out? (starting at the edge of the trim, next to the side of the door, with the scraper flat on the same plane as the door?) Like if it were nailed on and I was using a prybar to pry it off?
I am talking standing with the door open and I am on the inside side of the door.

I was getting it to come loose about 1/2" using my hands. Then it sort of hit a place where it didn't want to come out any farther, and when I pushed it back, it tightened back up. I spent about an hour trying to get this off on Sat. That is why I am asking so many questions. If it weren't raining, I would go try it now.

Thanks John, tree. Sorry to be so dense