Im replacing the power antenna mast in my 97 and of course the antenna came out but most of the drive gear stayed in. I need to remove the inner fender liner to get to the power unit but I cant figure out how to get the little plastic holder out without destroying them? Are these a 1 time deal that should be replaced each time or is there a trick to get them out?
Removing fender liner questions.
- Thread starter Ryan_289
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kernel.panik
New member
I think you can buy a tool that removes them without destroying them.
something like these...
Clip Removal Tool | eBay
something like these...
Clip Removal Tool | eBay
IBallEngineer
New member
That is one tool, I don't use that much on Toyotas, mostly Hondas. There are other pry tools for the two part clips that work as well or better. But I've been buying these things forever and there IS no one best tool. On the one piece clips that we call Christmas trees there is often no hope to get them out intact. I some time wedge my dikes under the flange and grip the shank to pry them out, sometimes I end up cutting through them, other times I mange them.
I've bought tools from Snap-on, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, and Lisle. I still don't always get them out. If you are patient, you'll do better. I stopped being patient in 1982.
The clips have a pre tensioned barb that expands after you push is through the hole in the car's sheet metal. To remove them you need to reach behind the clip, squeeze the barb and pull the clip out. For me it was extremely difficult to accomplish. I ended up just destroying all the clips and buying replacements from the dealership.
Also I would suggest a static antenna like the Taco whip mod since the powered antennas tend to break often. I just did this mod a couple weeks ago a couldn't be happier with the look / function.
Also I would suggest a static antenna like the Taco whip mod since the powered antennas tend to break often. I just did this mod a couple weeks ago a couldn't be happier with the look / function.
Tphocker
New member
I almost always just rip it off and buy new clips. On almost any panel, including the wheel well. It's to much hassle to get them out in tact and it almost never works.
I've also ripped them out and when you put the piece back on just buy some 3/4" self drilling wafer head screws and use those instead. I work construction so this was a quick fix but now that I've done it on a few other projects it's a way better way to go because it is way easier to pull off later.
Obviously this only works where you don't mind seeing the screw heads. I find this works really well under the hood on some cars to remove the stupid plastic covers they have over everything. Holds better than clips and is way less hassle.
I've also ripped them out and when you put the piece back on just buy some 3/4" self drilling wafer head screws and use those instead. I work construction so this was a quick fix but now that I've done it on a few other projects it's a way better way to go because it is way easier to pull off later.
Obviously this only works where you don't mind seeing the screw heads. I find this works really well under the hood on some cars to remove the stupid plastic covers they have over everything. Holds better than clips and is way less hassle.
BrianSD_42
New member
In the tutorial and documentation sub-sticky thread there is a link "how to remove gender flares"
