The worst part is usually getting the inner door panel off. If you choose to go the DIY route, get something like this to make your life soooo much easier.
Yeah the DIY for these is pretty easy if you're interested.
If you YouTube search your car model there's usually step by step instructions that usually just involve popping some of the vinyl off for a moment and then putting it back on.
At most you just need one of those plastic crowbar kits
This. If you’ve never taken your trim off before, all you need are a few simple plastic tools to help ensure you don’t damage your trim while removing it.
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Use a door panel removal tool (its like a two prong fork looking thing) and CAREFULLY pull off the full panel.
Not recommending this specific one, but you get the idea: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O?ref\_=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_ud\_dp\_9M8Y551VF1ESYT1B4WT9
Remember, that hatch is fiberglass, 30 years old and very brittle. The plastic keepers that hold the panel on will probably break anyway, so order up some replacements. Go slow and do not force it.
It'll slide UP towards the window when its ready to come off.
For the most part, the panels just pop right off. You might need a trim removal tool to get under and pry it off: https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool/dp/B01L8GHB7O
If there is a certain panel you can't remove, then look up a video on that specific panel for your car.
You might need something like this and alot of patience and time.
Oh like this?
Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Set (No Scratch Pry Tool Kit) Fastener Removal Tool - Auto Trim Kit Car Tools - Easy Removal of Car Door Panels, Fasteners, Molding, Dashboards, Wheel Hubs (5 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HZ6A5QKS2MAZ2S9ANVFV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The $250 installation seems like a lot. Not that hard to do yourself. I
bought a panel removal kit from Amazon for $13 and I was able to
complete the installation.
Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O?ref=ppx\_pop\_mob\_ap\_share
The $250 installation seems like a lot. Not that hard to do yourself. I bought a panel removal kit from Amazon for $13 and I was able to complete the installation. Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Super easy, assuming you're vaguely familiar with how door cards work on most vehicles. Trim removal tools are a must, something like this.
It's medium fiddly to undo all the clips without breaking any, but not bad at all. Don't be like me and be sure to make sure you reconnect the door handle to the cable. We found out right as we left on a camping trip that the passenger door only opened from the outside. Oops!
No prob! I’d also suggest a trim pry bar if you don’t already have one. Makes taking off the interior trim a breeze for routing the hardwired cable.
This is the one I got (it was on sale and cheapest at the time, make sure whatever you get is plastic)
Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Set [Non Marring and No Scratch] Auto Trim Kit for Easy Removal of Car Door Panels, Fasteners, Molding, Dashboards and Wheel Hubs (5 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GP6H6Y42E5C68C69PVYJ
You can also get a shop to install it for you if you don’t want to bother.
I bought this trim tool kit on Amazon. I used the tool in the kit that has the screwdriver handle. Slowly worked my way around all the edges of the panel; the flat part of the tool made it easy to get a little bit of leverage against the clips.
Then as others said, I grabbed a wire cutter and clipped off about half the retaining clips so the next time wasn't such a pain.
Sure thing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_c1i6FbJ44VZT7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I wasn’t able to get the a-pillar trim out of the way, it felt like I was going to break it when I was pulling it down. What I ended up doing is instead of going from the head liner directly across the a-pillar and over the airbag, I tucked about 4” of cable back up the headliner towards the b-pillar and then down the door jamb to avoid the airbag.
I started running the cable from the camera side, so I didn’t have to guess how much cable I needed to run to reach the camera.
Sorry I don't have the answer but just wanted to caution you against using a flathead as that could damage your paint or dent your panel. There's super cheap (like $10) plastic trim removal kits you could get off Amazon or at Harbor Freight.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_EuB5Fb7466RTY
I installed the parts myself over the weekend and it took me around 2.5 hrs. Grab a set of trim removal tools (around 10USD) , follow the service manuals closely and it's really not that hard.
You can get the parts today from Med Center Mazda on Ebay for $166.94USD - 15% off = $144.50USD (with coupon PICKFAST on EBay App ONLY), shipping free anywhere in the US.
https://pages.ebay.com/promo/2018/1121/70319.html?_trkparms=%26clkid%3D8318549494442163000
Something like this might come in handy: https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool/dp/B01L8GHB7O/
For this, following one of the YT comments, I got this trim removal kit which came in handy with the usb hub and several other parts
Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share is a pretty cheap tool for removing some of the trim.
For rust spots you can hit it with a sander/wire wheel, and then spray it down with Eastwood. this stuff works amazing and one can goes a very long way. It also works as a primer so you can paint over it if it's on body panels.
Trunk air springs I don't recommend if you don't know what you're doing, they can be dangerous, but it depends on the vehicle, for the driver door seal though you can get some trim removal tools and feel around with a forked one between the seal and the door, the seal is held on with clips like this that just pop out with a little force. You can go to a junkyard or pick-n-pull near you and grab a seal from one of those and pop it back into place on yours, you could swap it in less than 10 minutes.
Creaking noises could be a ball joint, bearing or a few other things, it's easier to diagnose in person of course, so I would recommend getting a diag from a local shop and then possibly doing the repair yourself if you feel inclined to save the money and if it's not too difficult.
I bought this awhile back to do some work on my Mazda 6. These work great for gently prying stuff apart.
Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It's a little plastic spudger you wedge between pieces and gently work to provide enough force to separate the friction-lock pieces. Most BMWs are plastic. Depending upon age be prepared for some plastic to break. Cross-reference with RealOEM if you need to replace those broken parts.
This video shows how the side window trim comes off, for a Crv, but it works the same.
This one is the Ody specifically:
For the front doors: This shows how to remove the door liner:
This shows how to remove the mirror:
Once the mirror is off, the trim pops put like the sliding doors.
You will want a trim tool set like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O
Put painters tape and cardboard on the paint under where you are using pry tools.
You can get a delete kit so you don’t have to buy a new grille. I decided to buy one and replace it which took me about 30mins once I figure out how to pop the clip out.
The grille: https://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?ssq=Black+vw+emblem&year=2019&model=Jetta
The front emblem. I will re do it eventually, messed up on the top: https://www.badgeskins.com/store/p985/VW-MK7-Jetta-Front-Smooth-TINT-VW-Emblem-Overlay.html
Tab tool kit: https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool/dp/B01L8GHB7O
Trim tool kit
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_NYV3SR6RXH02PEPTXPYE
Just lift the plastic and shove the wire under. Not much too it, that's how I get wires under stuff without having to actually remove panels.
Below is exactly what I used and the video I watched. I would just make sure the camera is compatible (this link below is for 2015-2017 Sonata model years)
Link toamazon trim panel remover. Definitely not a bad thing to have on hand
The molding pops out pretty easily - you should get some tools, especially a long metal "puller" which helps save the plastic clips. Stick some foam strips in there or have the dealer do it. Sometimes it's the speakers. https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool/dp/B01L8GHB7O
I've been happy with the power when put in sport mode. The traction is pretty bad though, easily peels out, so I think I would be looking at a BMW 3 series that has actual handling and a transmission before I'd pay more for turbo in a Mazda.
So this is what I bought a week ago
Not sure if it's my center cap being too tight in place, or the thickness of the tool is too big.
Hey, this sounds like an exciting endeavor to repair and that you’ve done a lot of research. I just did a little googling to see what I could find. I see the one with 4 screws in the back and another one with the same style without the screws possibly glued together like you said.
If it is glued, prying it open may be tricky. I would recommend using a trim removal tool because it tends to be better for plastic. I’ve had really good luck using it on older clocks, toys, and other plastic bits.
I like your idea of using braided fishing wire, just make sure it’s similar in diameter since it possible that matters for how the mechanism works. If not, this string and pull combo might work for you. Please keep us updated on how it goes! Excited to see pictures.
In the process of upgrading my stereo the Best Buy tech broke a vent or two. I must admit I got all of my replacements from eBay, used. (Best Buy paid for the replacement parts and I fitted them, as I did not trust the tech by that point).
By the time I was done I had the knack of not breaking them.
Do you have a proper trim removal kit? That was cheap and made it a lot easier for me.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L8GHB7O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
You could try local scrapyards for parts.
Here are some chains.
I use a trim removal kit that is designed for removing pieces like this and not damaging it in the process. Makes it a lot easier, but I agree should be simpler
Awesome! Just in the process of doing mine as well. Just ordered a panel removal tool kit from Amazon to help get that back panel off.
Got this kit here: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UlAJFbH68PPBN
Also got these blue LED eagle eye lights: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07FLJRS5R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6nAJFbNBMYG1F
Hopefully it all works out as good as yours did!
put the wire inside your trim pieces. right now, the wire is in front of your airbag which will prevent the airbag from deploying properly if you are in an accident. your dashcam might have come with trim removal tools, they look like this. stick the tool between the headliner and A-pillar trim to pop off the A-pillar trim so that you can shove the wire in there. you'll see other wires running behind the airbag, that's where the dashcam wire should go. here's a how-to video for reference.
If you do the maintenance for her, order one of these: Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit, Set of 5 Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rEgFBb9RQ95F8
It makes these super easy. I vastly prefer them to screws now.
No contex. Self install, pretty normal post in the sub reddit.
Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit, Set of 5 Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_j0A9BbCR2Y5GC
Your just a moron bud, this is pretty BASIC knowledge