69 Rear Quarter Trim Panel Removal

[Michael C.]

I need to remove the rear quarter trim panel on my 69 coupe to remove the carpet for cleaning AND to repair or replace the rear plenium drain tube. I can't get access to the upper most screw on this panel because it appears that the roof panel trim has to be removed first. I've removed the three screws for this panel, but there seems to be something holding it to the t-top center trim panel. Does the windshield trim have to come out to get the center trim removed? Where does this stop???

Can someone tell me what really needs to be removed and in what order to get the quarter trim panel out? The AIM illustrations don't really help.

Regarding the plenium drain tube: it appears as though three pop rivets will have to be drilled out because the tube and ring/mount are one assembly. Is this correct? Looks like a fun job. The tube on the right side has split open. It looks rather fragile so I'll probably replace the other tube while I'm at it.

Thanks,
Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Rear Quarter Trim Panel Removal

I need to remove the rear quarter trim panel on my 69 coupe to remove the carpet for cleaning AND to repair or replace the rear plenium drain tube. I can't get access to the upper most screw on this panel because it appears that the roof panel trim has to be removed first. I've removed the three screws for this panel, but there seems to be something holding it to the t-top center trim panel. Does the windshield trim have to come out to get the center trim removed? Where does this stop???

Can someone tell me what really needs to be removed and in what order to get the quarter trim panel out? The AIM illustrations don't really help.

Regarding the plenium drain tube: it appears as though three pop rivets will have to be drilled out because the tube and ring/mount are one assembly. Is this correct? Looks like a fun job. The tube on the right side has split open. It looks rather fragile so I'll probably replace the other tube while I'm at it.

Thanks,
Mike

The key to the interior trim is the rear view mirror. Start there.

To get the drain tubes out the rivets have to be removed. Access from the wheel well. Remove rear tire, and proceed from there.

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Rear Quarter Trim Panel Removal

Thanks Terry. I was afraid I'd have to start at the front bumper.

Mike

[Bill C.]

Re: 69 Rear Quarter Trim Panel Removal

well here is a list that is pretty close - I'm sure someone will chime in and tweak it for you.


1. remove upper halo trim (have to take our rear window to get to the rear trim screws). you might haver to take the metal trim off that surrounds the t-top locking latch too, just can't remember 100%.
2. remove the long trim piece just below the pop out rear glass
3. if your car has shoulder belts you may need to get those out of the way (obvious one, figured i list it anyways).
4. then there is a lower trim screw and probably 2 up top.

from this point, should be able to get it out without any issues.

the upper halo have a push in retainer near the t-top center panel.
it is a 3/4" barbed stud. you will have to gently pull down on the halo to get it out of the retainer.


if your car still has the factory carpeting you may have to move the upper side by the drain tubes to get enough room to work up there.
there is also a underlayment below the carpeting, i can't recall if that is installed near the drain tubes.

like everyone said - drill the rivets out from the rear inner wheel well and then the outer ring will come off.

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Rear Quarter Trim Panel Removal

Bill,
Thanks for the input. I've attached a photo of what I think is holding the halo trim at the center trim. It's not a very good photo, but I've added a line drawing of my interpretation of what I see. Is this what you describe as a push in retainer? My car was born in September 69, so it might be different from yours. Definitely different from what I see in the AIM because it shows a screw in that location, but there's no screw. I don't want to pull down on something that's not intended to be pulled down.

Seems CRAZY that I have to start at the rear view mirror to remove the rear carpet.

Mike

[Bill C.]

Re: 69 Rear Quarter Trim Panel Removal

yes --

normally there is a barbed stud (1/8 thick) attached to that bracket.
the barbed stud slips into a hole in the metal frame of car. there is some type of gripping material in the hole.

If you very carefully pull down on the halo it will pull out.
fyi -- the center trim piece between the t-tops is held in place with two of these, plus the screws at the rear of it.
The halos are not the only trim parts that use these types of retainers.

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Rear Quarter Trim Panel Removal

Bill, your guidance was spot on. I've never come across these pins, but now I know.

Before building up the courage to increase my prying force, I went down the road of removing the rear view mirror, windshield trim, etc. When I got to the center support trim I ran into a stubborn middle pin. Any tips how to get that one to release (without breaking or defacing the trim piece)? I hope to remove the SS center support reveal to get it refinished, so the center support trim has to come off.

Thanks again,
Mike