Door top platic vents - how the **** do you get them off?

[Vintoni]

Hi everyone

I've had a quick search on here but I couldn't find any info. I've decided to cut off the wrinkly vinyl on the tops of the doors of my 940 and glue on some fresh material but I can't get the plastic vent trim pieces off (see attachment).

I've removed the screw on the edge but they are held into the top of the door via two fixings and I can't figure out how to get them off.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Trying to keep busy during this lockdown madness so I don't lose my sh*t.

Cheers

[capt jack]

At a guess you'll probably need to take the door cards right off the car?

Jack

[bob12]

They are identical to a 740. Take door card off/remove screw. You will then find they are glued to the card. Get a flat palette knife and prize them off the door card. You will also find they are in two parts.

Bob

[griston64]

There are also little clips ( cant think of the name of them ) You will also find it a lot easier if you heat around the bottom of the vent with a hairdryer to soften the glue

[griston64]

starlock washers

[bob12]

Originally Posted by griston64

starlock washers

Yes, forgotten about those little buggers. Been a while since I removed one. Never thought of heating the glue but after 30 years it was not particularly efficient.

Bob

[griston64]

Originally Posted by bob12

Yes, forgotten about those little buggers. Been a while since I removed one. Never thought of heating the glue but after 30 years it was not particularly efficient.

Bob

I gave my spare ones to Luke so only removed them a couple of months ago. The lower part comes away first and then the actual vent has two starlock washers holding it in place. I think heating them up helped. I also have a tendency to break plastic parts so it probably stopped me from doing that as well

[Vintoni]

Thanks guys, I'll take the cards off tomorrow and give it a go.

Much appreciated.

[Laird Scooby]

A good way of removing star washers is to use a thin screwdriver between the "legs" of the washer, lever them up gently away from the pin so the washer has some clearance to simply slide off.

Once it's off, place it flat side down (the edges usually curl upwards naturally) and use a flat punch to set the "legs" back flat.

To refit, use a small socket that sits just inside the edge, support the vent on something firm enough to prevent movement without damaging the vent (block of wood or similar) and making sure the washer is square onto the pin with the socket "aiming" it, tap the other end of the socket to drive the washer home.

Job done!

[Ian21401]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

A good way of removing star washers is to use a thin screwdriver between the "legs" of the washer, lever them up gently away from the pin so the washer has some clearance to simply slide off.

Once it's off, place it flat side down (the edges usually curl upwards naturally) and use a flat punch to set the "legs" back flat.

To refit, use a small socket that sits just inside the edge, support the vent on something firm enough to prevent movement without damaging the vent (block of wood or similar) and making sure the washer is square onto the pin with the socket "aiming" it, tap the other end of the socket to drive the washer home.



Job done!

I can confirm that that method works. I cannot recall using it on any car that I have owned but I often used it to deal with repairs to our children’s toys when required. I seem to recall “Triang” used them a lot. Just be careful easing the “legs” away from the pin as they are quite brittle and prone to snap.