Trim panels are usually retained by a combination of screws, often retaining grab handles and other furniture, and hidden clips.
Some screws are obvious and others are hidden by blanking plugs.
A few panels are completely retained by screws and some panels are completely retained by concealed clips. A few panels are retained at the lower end by screws and/or hidden clips and then when these are released the panel must be slid upwards to unhook at the top. Removing a panel usually breaks a few clips and sometimes it doesn't matter how carefully or carelessly panels are removed a certain amount of damage and broken clips/studs is inevitable, especially in cold weather. Sometimes considerable force is needed especially if the panel hasn't been removed before.
There are a number of special tools for dealing with trim panels and studs but these are of limited use to unskilled or inexperienced hands and of limited use to even an experienced person encountering a new model for the first time. The tools are designed to reach far behind the panel and a vee-shaped groove can engage with the stud (if it can be found) and lever it from the metalwork. Such tools don't often prevent the stud breaking but does help protect the panel from damage.
When dealing with door and tailgate panels it is well to have a selection of studs and clips available and a variety of glues, plastic welding equipment to hand as well as being able to give completing the task satisfactorily sufficient time.
Answers & Comments
Trim panels are usually retained by a combination of screws, often retaining grab handles and other furniture, and hidden clips.
Some screws are obvious and others are hidden by blanking plugs.
A few panels are completely retained by screws and some panels are completely retained by concealed clips. A few panels are retained at the lower end by screws and/or hidden clips and then when these are released the panel must be slid upwards to unhook at the top.
Removing a panel usually breaks a few clips and sometimes it doesn't matter how carefully or carelessly panels are removed a certain amount of damage and broken clips/studs is inevitable, especially in cold weather. Sometimes considerable force is needed especially if the panel hasn't been removed before.
There are a number of special tools for dealing with trim panels and studs but these are of limited use to unskilled or inexperienced hands and of limited use to even an experienced person encountering a new model for the first time. The tools are designed to reach far behind the panel and a vee-shaped groove can engage with the stud (if it can be found) and lever it from the metalwork. Such tools don't often prevent the stud breaking but does help protect the panel from damage.
When dealing with door and tailgate panels it is well to have a selection of studs and clips available and a variety of glues, plastic welding equipment to hand as well as being able to give completing the task satisfactorily sufficient time.