Removing Interior Panels

[ciaz]

Am I missing something? There are only 4 sections in the Interior Panels/Trim section of the repair manual. Where can I find info on removing the panels in the cargo area and back seat?

 

[Scuba6]

Your timing for this question is great - I was just about to start researching the same topic.

My LEDs just arrived in the mail tonight and although they're intended for the engine bay mod like Snooper did, I am playing with the idea of using two of these for the cargo area. I'm guessing I'll need to pull some panels and run some wiring. I am Very gun-shy about taking the cargo door apart, but I may tap into the 12v outlet power for now...until I build up some more nerve and more knowledge.

Since it seems like Kansas is about to be under a foot of snow, I've not nothing better to do than drink a beer and CAREFULLY take the truck apart!

 

[westwind77]

. I am Very gun-shy about taking the cargo door apart, but I may tap into the 12v outlet power for now...until I build up some more never and more knowledge.

Cargo door rear panel is simple to remove - locate the insert point (area to slip a wide 'blade' molded into the panel. Use a rag not to scratch paint, apply pressure until you pop the 1st 'clip' out, then (i used my fingers/hands) gently pull around until they all free themselves and you are done, almost. Helps to have a 2nd person to un-clip the light harnesses. You are done.

 

[harper7]

Am I missing something? There are only 4 sections in the Interior Panels/Trim section of the repair manual. Where can I find info on removing the panels in the cargo area and back seat?

Which panels are you talking about precisely. In the Repair manual ,The rear panels and seats are under Interior Panels/Trim and then "Roof-Headlining" because to take the headliner down almost every panel has to come off so that is where most of it is. There are 80 steps ! As with almost all vehicle interiors , you start at the bottom in the back and have to work forward as usually panels overlap from back to front and bottom to top.

Can't really explain the how as I just do it after I glanced over the manual section.We are soooooo lucky to have the factory repair manual !You just have to look where the screws/bolts are and the rest just pulls apart with a good hard tug. They are pretty durable ABS plastic.Sometimes those little christmas tree looking fasteners break. You can get them at the dealer.Here is what it looks like under the panels. Picasa Web Albums - harper7 - Interior Soun...

You would be suprised at how similar all manufacturers interior panels come apart and havn't changed thru the years except they used to have alot more screws. Last one I took apart was my M3 beemer.I did a frame off restoration on a 70 RS/SS Camaro before and basically took the whole car apart piece by piece . The panel technology with the clips,screw here and there and christmas tree fasteners were the same back in 1970! The one piece headliners now are much easier and better though as you used to have to get a pro to do it right.

 

[Scuba6]

Question: how do you all recommend best getting a few wires behind the rear pillar? I need to run a few wires for the lights down to where the tail light access cover is, and I'm not sure the best way to do it. See picture:

In Snooper's rear light mod thread, he recommends fishing them down. I thought it might be easier to at least pop the top of the panel away from the truck, but if I'm reading the repair manual correctly, it talks about cutting a clip.

I've tried using an old coat hanger to reach from the bottom up and from the top down, but I keep getting caught on the various cables that you can see in Harper7's picture

Please ignore the poor wire connections shown in the pic - this was taken during some early testing.

Thanks!

 

[Scuba6]

OK, so I wedged the wires in behind the panels via the weather stripping. Feels like the wires aren't hanging free behind there and are pressing out on the paneling some. Shouldn't be an issue, but it would still be nice to pop the panel at least partly free and better dress the wires. It shouldn't be too tough right?

 

[illest]

good job

 

[adio3x]

Question: how do you all recommend best getting a few wires behind the rear pillar? I need to run a few wires for the lights down to where the tail light access cover is, and I'm not sure the best way to do it. See picture:

In Snooper's rear light mod thread, he recommends fishing them down. I thought it might be easier to at least pop the top of the panel away from the truck, but if I'm reading the repair manual correctly, it talks about cutting a clip.

I've tried using an old coat hanger to reach from the bottom up and from the top down, but I keep getting caught on the various cables that you can see in Harper7's picture

Please ignore the poor wire connections shown in the pic - this was taken during some early testing.

Thanks!

If its anything like the other side, see that circular plug thing, twist that off and there will be a screw behind it. Unscrew that, I think its a phillips head, that releases that whole pannel. Now just pry the edge and these clips will pop off. Now you can pry off that top pillar, just the corner will be enough to get that wire down there. I just punch the pillar back in place an its secure lol.

 

[Okki]

Not the best pics, but here you go:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/94578-okkis-build-thread-3.html

As adio3x said.. remove plug.. remove bolt.. apply pulling force
Okki