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Old 01-08-2013, 11:40 AM   #1
Just Tom
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How to remove exterior rocker panel?
Guys,

I need to replace the exterior (driver's side) rocker panel and need your help. I was underneath the car inspecting the panel and it appears that there are half a dozen or so plastic (reusable) fasteners securing the panel to the exterior of the body. I would assume the panel is not soley secured by those fasteners. Has anybody replaced this rocker panel before who could offer me some tips or an illustration perhaps?


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Old 01-09-2013, 08:23 AM   #2
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Well...the replacement part has been ordered. Once it arrives I'll dive in to it and see how involved replacing the rocker panel is.
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Old 01-09-2013, 03:48 PM   #3
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Did you turn into a corner or something and scrape yours up?
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Old 01-09-2013, 03:56 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dysan911 View Post
Did you turn into a corner or something and scrape yours up?
I believe the O.P. said in a previous thread something to the effect of it having shattered on that side, but they don't recall hitting something.

Since it was not considered a manufacturer's defect they will have to pay to replace the panel themself.
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Old 01-09-2013, 04:29 PM   #5
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I haven't taken mine completely off but taking the plastic clips out make it really loose
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Old 01-09-2013, 07:34 PM   #6
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I'll bet the new part will reveal how to remove the old part.
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Old 01-09-2013, 09:24 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by suss6052 View Post
I believe the O.P. said in a previous thread something to the effect of it having shattered on that side, but they don't recall hitting something.

Since it was not considered a manufacturer's defect they will have to pay to replace the panel themself.
Correct. The dealer claimed that there was no defect and that I must have driven over something. which caused the panel to split and come loose. That's there contention, but I know that I didn't drive over anything. There is no damage anywhere under the car, such as a tell tale sign of where something impacted my car. Anyway, it's a moot point because Ford won't cover it under warranty so I'm eating the cost.

So frustrating.
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Old 01-09-2013, 09:26 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deftmetal View Post
I haven't taken mine completely off but taking the plastic clips out make it really loose
That's what I thought. I've seen these fasteners used in automotive applications before, but I wouldn't think they would be the only thing holding the rocker panel on.
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Old 01-10-2013, 12:34 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Just Tom View Post
That's what I thought. I've seen these fasteners used in automotive applications before, but I wouldn't think they would be the only thing holding the rocker panel on.
Sadly, that's what holds the majority of panels on, on most modern cars.
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