Re-installation of the C4 (and probably B4) avant D-pillar trim is *NOT* just the reversal of removal. Removal is easy compared to re-installation. Here is some background and some hints:
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The D-pillar covers are not shown very well by my good friend Kate. They are NLA and barely shown as Item 30 in this diagram.
There is also a cross piece that goes between the two D-pillar covers: Item 9 here:
Removal of the D-pillar covers should start with removal of that cross piece. There are 5 of the brown plastic spring clips (like the frame of conical tent). Work from the back end of the car. The trim piece is also held on by two metal tabs that fit into "sockets" on the forward edge of the trim piece. Pull/pry down (gently but firmly) to disengage the clips.
Once you have access to the top of the D-pillars you can start pulling it away from the body. Each D-pillar has 5 of the brown tent frame clips, as shown in this photo (base photo from Mike Atkisson):
Here is my previous D-pillar removal post:
I re-installed the D, C and B pillars today (final steps of the headliner replacement). I started with the D-pillars and worked my way forward.
While it was easy enough to "rip" the D-pillars out, putting them back was close to total frustration. In the end, the best way was to start with the complete removal of the Items 19 and 20 boot linings (aka "luggage boot trims"). However, this is not straight forward (read: get out the can opener, we're opening yet another can of worms).
Start with removal of the stainless steel trim strip, Item 9. This involves removal of the 4 Item 23 screws and Item 14 which is held to the body with two 5 mm Allen head bolts (body is threaded to receive them).
If you haven't already, remove the three screws at the top(ish) edge of the Items 19 and 20 linings. Two you can see (where the cargo cover sits and one is hidden (remove the Item 18 cubby covers to access the hidden screw).
Now remove the Items 30 tie-down eyes (two large-headed Phillips screws per side).
Now remove the Items 21 and 22, lower trims, three Phillips head screws sitting on conical washers.
Think your ready to remove Items 19 and 20, the boot linings? Think again dog-breath. There are two screws, one per side, lower front edge of Items 19 and 20 that attach them to the C-pillar trim. These screws *might* be hidden in the fabric of the boot lining but believe me they are there and you will rip them out of the C-pillar trim if you don't remove them.
Done? Ready? Nope.
Now the only thing that is preventing the Items 19 and 20 from being removed is the rear seat lock pin, Item 17 below. The lock pin has a 5 mm Allen socket and you can use that to turn the pin out and get them and the Items 37 trim off the boot linings. (Note the lock pin has a 17 mm lock nut accessible only with a very deep 17 mm socket (not any 17 mm deep socket will work - this is more important when you reinstall it)
Okay, now you can remove the Items 19 and 20 boot linings.
Now it is relatively easy to re-install the D-pillar covers. You still have to be prudent and make sure you have the tip of the brown plastic tent-frame pins lined up in the holes before you give the trim a good wrap with the heel of your hand. Be cautious. With the D-pillars in place, you can then reinstall the Items 19 and 20 boot trims in the reverse of the process just described.
Don't forget the sockets in the plastic cross piece and don't lose the rubber edges of the stainless steel hatch bottom opening cover.
In contrast the C-pillar trim was much easier and the B-pillar trim was almost too easy.
************************
The D-pillar covers are not shown very well by my good friend Kate. They are NLA and barely shown as Item 30 in this diagram.
There is also a cross piece that goes between the two D-pillar covers: Item 9 here:
Removal of the D-pillar covers should start with removal of that cross piece. There are 5 of the brown plastic spring clips (like the frame of conical tent). Work from the back end of the car. The trim piece is also held on by two metal tabs that fit into "sockets" on the forward edge of the trim piece. Pull/pry down (gently but firmly) to disengage the clips.
Once you have access to the top of the D-pillars you can start pulling it away from the body. Each D-pillar has 5 of the brown tent frame clips, as shown in this photo (base photo from Mike Atkisson):
Here is my previous D-pillar removal post:
I re-installed the D, C and B pillars today (final steps of the headliner replacement). I started with the D-pillars and worked my way forward.
While it was easy enough to "rip" the D-pillars out, putting them back was close to total frustration. In the end, the best way was to start with the complete removal of the Items 19 and 20 boot linings (aka "luggage boot trims"). However, this is not straight forward (read: get out the can opener, we're opening yet another can of worms).
Start with removal of the stainless steel trim strip, Item 9. This involves removal of the 4 Item 23 screws and Item 14 which is held to the body with two 5 mm Allen head bolts (body is threaded to receive them).
If you haven't already, remove the three screws at the top(ish) edge of the Items 19 and 20 linings. Two you can see (where the cargo cover sits and one is hidden (remove the Item 18 cubby covers to access the hidden screw).
Now remove the Items 30 tie-down eyes (two large-headed Phillips screws per side).
Now remove the Items 21 and 22, lower trims, three Phillips head screws sitting on conical washers.
Think your ready to remove Items 19 and 20, the boot linings? Think again dog-breath. There are two screws, one per side, lower front edge of Items 19 and 20 that attach them to the C-pillar trim. These screws *might* be hidden in the fabric of the boot lining but believe me they are there and you will rip them out of the C-pillar trim if you don't remove them.
Done? Ready? Nope.
Now the only thing that is preventing the Items 19 and 20 from being removed is the rear seat lock pin, Item 17 below. The lock pin has a 5 mm Allen socket and you can use that to turn the pin out and get them and the Items 37 trim off the boot linings. (Note the lock pin has a 17 mm lock nut accessible only with a very deep 17 mm socket (not any 17 mm deep socket will work - this is more important when you reinstall it)
Okay, now you can remove the Items 19 and 20 boot linings.
Now it is relatively easy to re-install the D-pillar covers. You still have to be prudent and make sure you have the tip of the brown plastic tent-frame pins lined up in the holes before you give the trim a good wrap with the heel of your hand. Be cautious. With the D-pillars in place, you can then reinstall the Items 19 and 20 boot trims in the reverse of the process just described.
Don't forget the sockets in the plastic cross piece and don't lose the rubber edges of the stainless steel hatch bottom opening cover.
In contrast the C-pillar trim was much easier and the B-pillar trim was almost too easy.