Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior Panel Removal...how to?

Trying to remove the panel that surrounds the rear side windows. Can't find any screws or clips. Problem also is that it holds the post for the front seatbelts at the shoulder. Any ideas? Pics would be great. Sorry if this sounds like a newb q. I've had my Celi for a few months so I'm still learning about her. Thx.

first you have to pop out the door sills, then you just get a good hold of the panel (at the front of it, which would be right by the door sills) pull slowly. i dont have pics. so its kinda hard to explain. you should be able to figure it out. i did.

Are you referring to the bottom panel? I may not have been too clear with my description of this panel. It surrounds the small triangle window on each side of the car. It doesn't look like this piece touches the door sills. Plus how do I get the panel over the post where the shoulder belt connects to the B pillar. I don't see any screws for taking it out either. Has anyone removed this piece for painting that might know how it's done?

To remove the panels that surround the rear quarter windows or the triangle windows... you have to remove the back seats to access bolts.

I figured it out. For the panel that surrounds the window there is a bolt and a screw that must be removed before you can pull out the clips. The bolt is hidden by the plastic covering the seatbelt post. Pop open the plastic by using a flathead screwdriver and then use a 14 mm ratchet to remove. The screw is also hidden, you have to pop open the plastic hook installed for hangers near the roof. Use a flathead for this too. After removing these two things the piece pulls off just like all the other panels, with just a bit of pull force.