Side skirt removal

[artsoul_no1]

Need to remove the side skirts on my F/L

Can someone who has done it give me a simple, exact walkthrough how to remove them including what tools they used. I had a look on the guide and couldn't find any indepth instructions.

Cheers

[Diamond Black Geezer]

In simplest terms, the whole sill cover pushes forwards, and the 'end cap' at the rear wheel stays where it is.

There are fastenings underneath to prevent this from happening, which appear to be a black disc, you push the centre out (actually a peg) I find using a small torx as a punch does the job well. 

You'll see a screw at the front, on the sill cover end, which also stops the thing sliding forwards, this to be removed, obviously. 

If you remove all necessary fittings the other, less-elegant way is to simply pull the sill cover upwards, so sitting on the floor looking at the B-pillar, hands cupped underneath, and tear it upwards. Risk of breaking clips, but sometimes necessary if you're the first one to ever remove the cover. 

[artsoul_no1]

So the two discs on the rear end cap are nothing to do with releasing the covers?

The fastenings underneath are they just under the end cap or spaced along its lengthand i punch these inwards and then slide the cover towards the front of the car. is it a slide the length of the car or just a few inches to clear the retaining clips

Are the clips still available from Vauxhall if it turns into a rip them off scenario, if so does anyone have the part numbers

Thanks

[Tick Tock]

In simplest terms, the whole sill cover pushes forwards, and the 'end cap' at the rear wheel stays where it is.

There are fastenings underneath to prevent this from happening, which (actually a peg) I find using a small torx as a punch does the job well. 

You'll see a screw at the front, on the sill cover end, which also stops the thing sliding forwards, this to be removed, obviously. 
appear to be a black disc, you push the centre out
If you remove all necessary fittings the other, less-elegant way is to simply pull the sill cover upwards, so sitting on the floor looking at the B-pillar, hands cupped underneath, and tear it upwards. Risk of breaking clips, but sometimes necessary if you're the first one to ever remove the cover. 

The black discs on the underside just pull off - don't try punching the centre, as these are studs welded onto the sills, and the discs will just prise off.

One screw at the front of the sill cover underneath, and 5 or 6 black discs along the length for removal.

Some like to move the front wheels full lock to give better access, as the sill covers need to be tapped forward until they are clear of the rear sill cap. Then just grab hold underneath and pull off towards you.

Refitting is reverse of above, push back onto clips, tap back into rear end cap, fit screw and push black discs back onto studs.

[VXL V6]

Followed by a discovery of rotten sills at the rear 

[Steve B]

Followed by a discovery of rotten sills at the rear 

And 14 years worth of road crap

I took rear caps off so i could tap sill forward with rubber hammer 

[Tick Tock]

Followed by a discovery of rotten sills at the rear 

He kids you not! 

[artsoul_no1]

How do you get the rear caps off as tapping with a mallet sounds a good idea.

If I find any rust I shall avert my eyes until the sill goes back on. Job Jobbed!

[Tick Tock]

Rear caps come off by drilling out the 2 plugs - Maybe someone's been successful at getting them off, but easier to drill and fit new ones.

[Steve B]

Rear caps come off by drilling out the 2 plugs - Maybe someone's been successful at getting them off, but easier to drill and fit new ones.

just tap the pins through and recover them after 

[artsoul_no1]

Thanks for all the replies, let's see how long this 10 minute job takes