I am frantically trying to dry-out the passenger side floor well of a 2019 Subaru. I have most of the floor tore up and am running a small space heater full-blast, supplemented by the exhaust of a shop vac. The sill plate and a kick panel was held on by these clips. I managed to pull the sill plate and panel off, but the clips remain in their respective holes and despite my best efforts with needle-nose pliers and/or a screwdriver, don't want to come out. I know I CAN get them out but they would probably be damaged beyond use. It's not that I am trying to save my $4 it's just the local Subbie dealer says they can't get replacements until Thursday and I NEED to haul some passengers this week.... Any secret to getting these out? Or anyone know if some other clip will work? It's Subaru 909130096
Easy; pry up with a narrow v shaped removal tool under the lowest flange. If you don't have the tool, two flat blade screw drivers will work.
why not run down to the parts store and buy a clip puller? looks a bit like a large flathead screwdriver with a wide slot in the end https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-specialty-tools/molding-and-trim-remover-tool/oemtools-door-panel-remover-tool/48579_0_0 and of course, every parts store has a spinning rack or something similar with little 4-packs of those for a few bucks
When you get one out there is a chance a good automotive parts store may have a compatible type fastener in their store stock amazon list some replacements for that clip but i can't post the link here https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/disco-automotive-3374/hardware---fasteners-16585/professional-installer-assortments-18083/9b60881db689/disco-automotive-body-clips/8119/6090987
I've got one of the many flavors of this kind of wire crimper riding around in my car tools anyway: and for me it works wonders to grab those kinds of clips (in the nose of the crimper, flat), and use a random screwdriver, socket, etc., under the handle of the thing as a fulcrum to lever the clip out. Works well enough I haven't really been tempted by an 'official' clip puller tool.
Thanks, all. Sort of in a panic mode. Have a father-in-law who went into rapid decline in the past few days and needs to be sent to a "home" ASAP. Wife is frantic and wants me in Oregon, "yesterday." I do have a V-clip puller somewhere. I forgot about it. Have to find it -- but I don't think it will fit into spaces available unless I remove MUCH MUCH more of the interior, including the gasket around the door. Really don't want to go there. If I end up destroying one, looking for a twin at NAPA or O'Reiley's is a good idea.
