Advice removing external door trim on a Passat
06-08-2008, 04:57 AM
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Advice removing external door trim on a Passat
I have a Passat, like this one:
The pseudo chrome strip lifted a bit and became bent on the rear door, that bit on the lower part of the door. Virtually in line with the top of the wheels along the length of the body. It acts as a door dink guard as well as a styling 'feature'. It appears to be glued/stuck to a plastic trim piece. I have a new one on order and am not sure how to fit it. Anyone any experience? Would you think the whole thing is glued or riveted on? from the inside of the door?
I imagine I will get a better feel when I see the replacement part. I have asked on the VW forums but no response as yet.
The pseudo chrome strip lifted a bit and became bent on the rear door, that bit on the lower part of the door. Virtually in line with the top of the wheels along the length of the body. It acts as a door dink guard as well as a styling 'feature'. It appears to be glued/stuck to a plastic trim piece. I have a new one on order and am not sure how to fit it. Anyone any experience? Would you think the whole thing is glued or riveted on? from the inside of the door?
I imagine I will get a better feel when I see the replacement part. I have asked on the VW forums but no response as yet.
06-09-2008, 12:11 AM
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I suspect it will only be glued, though it may have some plastic retaining clips.
If it does have the clips, they're non-reusable but easy to get hold of from a motor factors once you know which type they are.
If it does have the clips, they're non-reusable but easy to get hold of from a motor factors once you know which type they are.
06-09-2008, 01:36 AM
#3
Honda usually use self-adhesive pads and a tiny locating bolt at the ends (inside the door shut) which is why they don't fall off.
Or else similar plastic clips with a retaining bolt...
You can re-use the clips if you remove them carefully enough, but always get a few spares in case...
Or else similar plastic clips with a retaining bolt...
You can re-use the clips if you remove them carefully enough, but always get a few spares in case...
06-09-2008, 01:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Nick Graves,Jun 9 2008, 09:36 AM
You can re-use the clips if you remove them carefully enough, but always get a few spares in case...
You might be able to re-use them - but if you don't get spares, the last one you prise out will break. Or, if you manage to get them all out and re-use them, they'll fail when you least expect it, usually letting go at the worst possible moment and damaging paintwork in the process.
This is the law of the plastic clip.
06-09-2008, 10:55 PM
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I am going to try a hairdryer today.
You wouldn't believe what happened to it. When I was loading with fishing tackle, I opened the front and rear doors at the same time.
The rear door edge hit the front
I thought, WTF, I am sure I have opened both doors before.
After some surfing, find that when the car ages a bit, the placcy chrome lifts and the tolerances are such that they can collide.
BEAUTIFUL design VW, completely beautiful. I think I do have grounds for a case against warranty, irrespective of age, doors should not collide(!). It was quite incredible to think that two doors will hit each other.
You wouldn't believe what happened to it. When I was loading with fishing tackle, I opened the front and rear doors at the same time.
The rear door edge hit the front
I thought, WTF, I am sure I have opened both doors before.
After some surfing, find that when the car ages a bit, the placcy chrome lifts and the tolerances are such that they can collide.
BEAUTIFUL design VW, completely beautiful. I think I do have grounds for a case against warranty, irrespective of age, doors should not collide(!). It was quite incredible to think that two doors will hit each other.
