Pillar A-B Removal/Install
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 300
Likes: 34
From: Bella Vista, AR
Pillar Pad Molding A-B Removal/Install
I need to replace both HVAC drivers and passenger side air blend actuators by removing the dash. I understand the A and B pillar pad molding needs to come out. Can this be accomplished with a 1" putty knife or similar tool? To re-install, do they snap back into place or other method? Thanks
Last edited by Ceedub53; Jun 12, 2018 at 11:50 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
The repair manual tells you to grip firmly and pull away from the pillar. Did not work. They are held in place by some tabs that insert into slots in the A pillar. With the top off, I inserted a broad screwdriver between the top of the molding and the pillar proper. then gently levered until the uppermost tab popped out of its slot, then pulled them off by hand. Putting them back is just a matter of lining the tabs and slots up and pushing them into place.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
Here is what the back side looks like & the clips, the A pillar has slots the clips fit into, sometimes the clips will stay in the slots, you can adjust how tight the clips fit into the slots.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 300
Likes: 34
From: Bella Vista, AR
Here is what the back side looks like & the clips, the A pillar has slots the clips fit into, sometimes the clips will stay in the slots, you can adjust how tight the clips fit into the slots.
Attachment 48294122
Attachment 48294123
Attachment 48294124
Attachment 48294122
Attachment 48294123
Attachment 48294124
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
I need to replace both HVAC drivers and passenger side air blend actuators by removing the dash. I understand the A and B pillar pad molding needs to come out. Can this be accomplished with a 1" putty knife or similar tool? To re-install, do they snap back into place or other method? Thanks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 300
Likes: 34
From: Bella Vista, AR
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 57
From: Kensington MD
I just did the actuator replacement myself a few weeks ago (installed HUD too since the dash pad was gonna be off). Those A-pillar covers do take a lot of persuasion to come off and on. To get them back on you really have to jam them into the trim panels—tis a really tight fit.
