OK, so I wanted to remove the black roof strips to make painting the roof easier. Having a quick look at the hatchback end, I discovered that there is an end cap. This however can stay in place during removal. The strips are held in place by plastic clips, a metal section in the strip locates on the small clips which embrace metal pins protruding from the centre of the roof channels.
I used a piece of wood and a rubber mallet to gently knock the trim toward the rear of the car.
With the hatch slightly open for the optimum clearance, a piece of rag stops any scratches.
When enough of the trim was hanging off the back, I grabbed it and pulled carefully! It slipped off the clips easily and I was careful to let the strip maintain its shape (a slight curve) as I pulled.
This is what is revealed. A total of nine small clips that fit over skinny mushroom shaped pins sticking out of the roof channel. I took these off by gently levering them with some needle nosed pliers. They can be used again.
After painting the roof, I'll add the re-fitting to this guide.
I used a piece of wood and a rubber mallet to gently knock the trim toward the rear of the car.
With the hatch slightly open for the optimum clearance, a piece of rag stops any scratches.
When enough of the trim was hanging off the back, I grabbed it and pulled carefully! It slipped off the clips easily and I was careful to let the strip maintain its shape (a slight curve) as I pulled.
This is what is revealed. A total of nine small clips that fit over skinny mushroom shaped pins sticking out of the roof channel. I took these off by gently levering them with some needle nosed pliers. They can be used again.
After painting the roof, I'll add the re-fitting to this guide.
