Removing Odd Clips From Car. Best Approach?

[l_uk3y]

Hey guys. whilst out tinkering from time to time ive found that a lot of the line's clips and bits and pieces are fairly brittle and like to snap when u try to remove them. For example. when trying to pull the underside of the bootlid out. Im in the process of sounddeadening the boot atm and these clips are giving me the irrits. Any thoughts on the easiest way to get these out without breaking them.

Another point ill add. Under the bonnet there is sum crappy foamish sorta material which is rubbing on my intercooler piping and wearing off all the shine. This is held together by the same sorta clips. If i was to remove this could it effect the way heat radiates through the engine bay? as im sure its there for some purpose.

btw this is in a S2 R33 gts-t..

Cheers in advance. Luke

[adam-__-]

Another point ill add. Under the bonnet there is sum crappy foamish sorta material which is rubbing on my intercooler piping and wearing off all the shine. This is held together by the same sorta clips. If i was to remove this could it effect the way heat radiates through the engine bay? as im sure its there for some purpose.

I know what you mean there. I painted my pipes matt black for a more stock-ish look and the cover is rubbing all the paint off!! When I repaint it, it looks dodgey. haha

[Baconer]

I used a flathead screwdriver, only one of the clips broke but it only took a small chunk out, still holds it in place.

[Dantay]

yeah i hate this issue, the ones in the engine bay are worst because they heat has just ruined them. i have found that where possible if you work them out/open with needle nose pillars or a thin flat head they seem to not shatter in a billion little bits so easy.

of course the ultimate way to beat this is not to own 15yr cars right....

[Godzilla32]

There is a special trim clip removing tool you can buy that makes it very easy. Unfortunately i do not know where to buy it. Id say probably automotive tool specialist like snap on or the like. I know snap on sell a complete kit but at a guess its probably hell expensive knowing snap on!

As for what the sheilding/matting is for..Id probably say to its mainly there under the bonnet for heat and possbly to dampen it. Less tinny sounding. Same purpose as the body deadener your adding only the deadener your adding would do 100 times better job! On my car seeing i've spent so much on a show paint job i doubt i will put the bonnet one back on. As for the boot, there isnt one on the r32. So don't be too worried about leaving them off.

Deren

Edited September 27, 2007 by Godzilla32