Removing bottom door trim...and carpet

[Sean]

I'm swapping interiors. I got the carpet cut in the correct places, one of my last steps is getting that trim along the bottom of both doors inside the car off (kind of covers the carpet a bit). I pull, and it seems to come loose for a bit, but still doesn't feel like it's budging. Anyone have suggestions for getting that piece off?

Also - once those are removed, and all other things are remooved, do I just pretty much yank the carpet out - making sure it isn't caught on anything? If not, any suggestions for getting the carpet out easily and painlessly?

I searched, but really didn't find anything specific - mainly looking for hints.



For those wondering, I cut with a razor blade and cut as close as possible to the heater core. All cuts are within the center console, so that aspect should be ok.

[MR 325]

I believe the trim you are referring to pops in and out.

[Sean]

The trim along the bottom inside of the door (it sorta arches over the edge, then covers the carpet?)

I've pulled on it, and with my lack of leverage, I don't get it far. But, if all I need to do it unsnap it, then that's what I'll try doing.

So, basically straight up then?

[MR 325]

Ya, I think we're talking about the same thing...

[gszczyrb]

Re: Removing bottom door trim...and carpet

I'm swapping interiors. I got the carpet cut in the correct places, one of my last steps is getting that trim along the bottom of both doors inside the car off (kind of covers the carpet a bit). I pull, and it seems to come loose for a bit, but still doesn't feel like it's budging. Anyone have suggestions for getting that piece off?

It will sound like a hack job, but it has worked for me. There are about 5 or 6 bits holding that piece down. Pull up on rear end of that trim piece using a screwdriver or something for leverage. Actually something flatter like a putty knife would be better since it would distribute the force more evenly. Once you get one of the bits to pop, you are home free. Instead of popping the rest of the pieces off in the same fashion, just slide the piece towards the back seat as you lift up on the piece (you may want to remove the back seat first). It should slide off the little bits. You'll be bending the piece a bit, but unless it is really brittle, it should be able to handle. While you have them off, give it a shot of SEM Interior paint to freshen it up.

[Sean]

Thanks guys I'll let you know how it goes later this afternoon. :up:

[rayz]

the threshold pieces (black bottom door trim) just pops out. good luck trying to get it back in tho. i still havent put mine on since i wired my amp and sub. my buddy with an E36 had to buy new lock pins for the same thing. most of them broke or is a PITA to remove without breaking them. I think Ill just get some at the stealership with the help of a friend of course.

[KenC]

The plastic clips will likely not come out with the threshold piece. Use two claw-hammers (or two cat's-paws) to pry them out.

[bimmerphile]

PULL on the kickpanel piece, then go to Peterson's and have them order you some new clips (like $0.15 each).

[KenC]

Be careful not to pull too hard on the trim piece. I snapped one once.

[Sean]

Well, I pulled too hard, and the thing snapped in half. I got the rest off by pulling it towards the back of the car.

None of the clips broke - as a matter of fact, I wanted to see how to get them out - and it broke. So, now I need to get the broken clip out - but have no idea how.

On the opposite side of my car, I realized I could just pull the carpet out from below the plastic pieces. Wish I had realized that before hand. :x

And, the drivers side theshold strip on my parts car is all curved for some reason, so someone have one they wanna get rid of? :roll:

[///M42 sport]

Hmm, I just pulled the carpet out from under the trim.
________
Synthetic Weed

[Sean]

Hmm, I just pulled the carpet out from under the trim.

Me too.

I did, however, get them out! I took a really long screw driver, (after removing the carpet from them and removing all rear interior pieces) and forced the trim up - I was able to get the front to clips to actually come out of their holes - I was pretty surprised. I did this on three of them, and it works like a charm.

Case solved. :D

[Black_E30]

Ancient thread, but I thought I'd add something for the 4 door folks. If for some reason sliding out the carpet as above is not enough or not possible, you may be able to remove the front door bottom trim as follows:
- remove the kick panel.
- lift the front of the trim and push it inboard just a bit, enough to allow you to slide the trim forward past the front of the door opening. You can go 6" or more, enough to have the trim disengage from the rear two clips.
- then slide the trim piece back to remove it from the front clips.

The rear door trim is much easier. Just pull out the faster at the rear end and lift.

[TrentW]

Ancient thread, but I thought I'd add something for the 4 door folks. If for some reason sliding out the carpet as above is not enough or not possible, you may be able to remove the front door bottom trim as follows:
- remove the kick panel.
- lift the front of the trim and push it inboard just a bit, enough to allow you to slide the trim forward past the front of the door opening. You can go 6" or more, enough to have the trim disengage from the rear two clips.
- then slide the trim piece back to remove it from the front clips.

The rear door trim is much easier. Just pull out the faster at the rear end and lift.

I broke the sill trim in my wife's sedan when I got out of the car and caught it on my shoe. Got it off, but need to know how to install the new one now. I'm thinking I could pull the kick panel and slide it over the white clips from the front to rear. Anyone?