toki

i have searched this site quite extensively about the proper way to remove the rear side panel on either side of the rear seat. all i can find is info on the 92-95 hatch version. theres actually not alot of info for the coupe. someone please help me out here or give me a link

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Are you talking about the interior plastics? It's the same process for all body styles.

toki

yes im talking about the rear plastic panels that have the "arm rests" for the back seat. i read the instructions for the hatch and it doesnt seem like it would be valid for the coupe it was talking about the hatch trim and stuff has to come off.... i just dont wanna break off my retainer clips when i pull them.

toki

the reason i want to take them off is because i read that you had to in order to get the side trim pieces off. im wanting to repaint them since theyre really faded. so unless yall know a way to get them off without breaking them without removing the interior qtr panel cover...

DOHCtR-V

Invest in some good pry tools.
They come in metal, or plastic, & work wonders for removing clips/plugs.
Worth they're weight in gold when you make "Pick & Pull" runs.
They're not must have items, but they make life easier, & are friendlier to your panels.


Start from near the bottom, & try to pry just above the plugs. This gives you the best chance to save them.
The plugs usually follow the outside of the panel.
Make sure to remove any screws that might be hidden before you pry. Don't be afraid to use a bit of force once you get the first plug freed. The panels are pressure fitted so it takes a bit of a pull to release it.
Plugs/clips often become brittle over time, so be prepared to break a few. $2 will get you a new box @ any auto parts place.

toki

Thanks for the advice^ I ended up just masking it off and covering with newspaper and spraying the primer. Turned out great.

MisereNoire

Even tho you've already painted them, I'm an ej1 owner and quite frequently remove my rears so I'll post the instructions anyway.

1. unlatch and lower the rear seat upper portion so the 4 bolts (2 on each side) that hold the seat back onto the two side brackets are visible, remove the bolts and the two push rivets that hold the seat felt to the frame and slide the seat back out of the car or into the trunk.

2. undo the single bolt on the rear side of the lower seat cushions. angle the lower seat portion up towards the front of the car and slide the wire retainers out of the holes lined up with the front of the lower cushions. remove seat cushions from car.

3. on each lower side trim panel, there is an indent with a phillips head screw in it, remove from whichever side you want (or both, whatever). and remove the smallish push rivets that hold the rear of the panel that was behind the seat to the beat back frame.

4. lift out small panel where rear seat belts enter the side trim panel from the side closest to the center of the car ( the side opposite the window) and move out of the way.

5.starting at the rear inside of the quarter glass, pry interior panel away from glass and work forward, easy steady pressure and you wont break any clips (ive NEVER had one of the metal clips pry away from the plastic retainer tab, and all of my plastic retainer tabs show no wear from multiple removals), the sound from them releasing will be somewhat loud, but worry not.once you can feel that the clips have all disengaged, pull the rear of the lower interior trim panel away from the side of the car, making sure to clear the upper seat back bracket, the package tray, and the seat belt and its thru plate. then move the panel slightly towards the front of the car to disengage it from the metal door frame pillar. congrats you now have full access to the rear upper panels which are very similar in removal technique, just more plastic screw/rivets to remove and plastic retainer/metal clips to disengage. (plus both front and rear seat belt mounts to uncover/unbolt/remove. easy stuff)

hope this helps you or anyone else in future endeavors.