[SimiGuy]

Just an FYI for those of you looking to remove some interior panels in a Transit Passenger Wagon. I'm referring to the grey plastic panels that cover the window pillars and contain the cup holders in the passenger area inside the van.

I removed a few of those panels and busted a few retaining clips in the process. I went to the Ford dealer and they said the clips aren't sold separately and that they come attached to the panels. So basically I would have to buy a whole new panel - lame! However (thankfully) I found them here after a bit of painful searching:

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Ford_Door_Trim_Panel_Retainer_W_Sealer_W713297_S30_p/a21169.htm

Also here's a pic of the clips in question and the box they came in.

 

[ilovehotshot]

I'm sure your post will come in handy one day.

 

[victoryvisiontour]

I'm sure your post will come in handy one day.

One day is today. I broke a couple and was looking for replacements when this thread popped up in Google. Thanks for the post, SimiGuy.

 

[dustymiller]

Any advice on how not to break the retainer clips ?

 

[spotco2]

Any advice on how not to break the retainer clips ?

Use a metal fork style trim removal tool and insert it as close to the clip as possible. I have several that are different lengths with different bends that allow me to get all the way on both sides of a clip and pry them straight out. It's very rare that I ever break a clip unless it is hiding somewhere.

 

[theine]

Just wanted to bump this and say thanks for finding these!
The link still works.
I broke 4 taking off trip and the sliding door step. A pack of 25 for ~$15, I'll take it as I'm sure I'll break more

 

[Boonedock]

Good timing on the bump. I just broke 1 today, wish the other one broke too but the panel gave way first and I broke the part they fasten into...🤬.
I hate these things with a passion, don't get me started on the little ones with the clips that fall off the back!

 

[Tijoe]

I have been in the process of removing panels. I have 4 broken clips so far. Even using plastic and metal forks, some of them are almost impossible to remove. I have had 2 of them explode into many pieces. I am coming to the conclusion that 2 variables must be happening to cause them to be difficult to remove.
1. the hole diameter that the clips push into must vary. I assume that the hole tolerances and paint make some of the clips fit too tight.
2. If the clips are pushed into the hole such that they push past the largest OD of the fastener, if the temperature of the clips is not warm enough, say below 80 degrees F, (just estimating. a temp.) The plastic is less flexible and will break rather than compress as you pull on them.
- I removed some of my panels when it was during summer and hot inside the van without breaking any, now that it is winter. and below 60 degrees F outside, several have broken and all are harder to remove.

Next time I go to remove more panels, I will heat up the interior of the van as much as possible before trying to pop them off.

I purchased my new clips off of Ebay.

50pcs Trim Cover Door Panel Molding Clip Retainer Fastener for Ford C-Max 14-16 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 50pcs Trim Cover Door Panel Molding Clip Retainer Fastener for Ford C-Max 14-16 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[me&z]

Good timing on the bump. I just broke 1 today, wish the other one broke too but the panel gave way first and I broke the part they fasten into...🤬.
I hate these things with a passion, don't get me started on the little ones with the clips that fall off the back!

We did that too. Z was able to glue the broken piece back in place and it all works.