How do I remove these rocker cover clips?

[Stevehose]

i want to take the trim strip off the rocker covers so I can repaint the covers while I have them off the car, is there a trick to getting these clips out - can they be removed without breaking them? I can't seem to compress the 4 legs to squeeze it back through the hole. Ideas?

 

[JhwShark]

In the past (IIRC years ago) I just tapped them with a hammer and they would pop out...after 40 years they may be brittle.

How about using a small hose clamp and slowly tighten down until it will allow the clip to slip out (kinda like a ring compressor when installing a piston)??
Jon

 

[hplug]

center pin

Try to push the center round part then you can compress the 4 tabs

 

[Stevehose]

They appear brittle, before i go after them and possibly shatter them I checked to see they are available from a couple sources (apparantly not Maximillian). Does the center round part slide in and out and act as a lock or is it all one piece and always up against the prongs?

 

[blumax]

rocker trim clips

Best practice is to replace them after 40 years to avoid problems due to their being brittle. Contact Mesa Performance--they usually have thm in stock as were used on E-3 and '02's--have purchased them for both. If not Mesa try Carl Nelson @ Bimmer Doc.

 

[Stevehose]

Murray - agree - decided to get new ones - looking at these original ones there is no way I'll get all 12 off without a few busting. $.79 each - got 14 to cover the inevitable install learning curve