Model 124 - Rear Pillar Removal
(job 68-449)

Many of us have come to this problem in connection with a sagging headliner - how to remove the trim on the rear pillar.
The manual is unclear in some respects - so I finally removed mine. The panel is attached similar to the door panel with several plastic clips that is part of the plastic pillar trim. The clips hook into the interior of the rear side of the roof panel. What the manual omits is a clear instructionon which way to push the trim to free the trim without breaking the molded clips.

1. Remove the chafing strip from the door frame in the area
where it mets the trim. The chafing is the soft material is
that soft material that lines the door entry and often gets dirty.
When you remove it you will see that this material wraps
rubber with a channel that fits over where the interior and
outer rear roof panel meet. Its fits by pressing the chaffing
onto the metal. You will see when you remove it. Only pull
pull back that portion where the chaffing meets the trim.

2. The clips look like an upside down J but with the hook facing
forward. If you pull the panel out away from the interior wall or
forward toward the front seat - they will break. You have to
push the leading edge of the trim panel straight back toward
the rear window (so the J hooks are free of the opening in the
roof panel) and then pull out. On the door panel you push the
panel in - up to release the clip - this is the same principal).

3. There are three (3) of these clips. Sitting in the rear seat
facing the rear seat look at the opening for the seat belt. Two
of the clips are about 1/2 inch above and below that opening.
The third clip is about 1 inch below the top edge. Distance of
these clips from the right edge of the trim is about 1 /2 to 1
inch.

4. Once you have release those you need to pull it out from the
side fo the roof line. There is another clip that fits into the
metal roof line - in sort of a compression fit. Npw you can
wiggle this trim free. You will then see the back edge of the
trim hooks around the metal edge by the back window - not
a big deal - you will see it when you remove the trim.

5. Installation is the reverse order - start by hooking the back
edge then push the trim back into place and hook the clips in
place with a closed fist or rubber mallet. Then replace the
chaffing strip by pressing it pack into place.


Good luck guys.