Door trim

[melissa]

I have seen a few doors like that Melissa. Its because the clips are tight and don`t pull outwards like most other VW doors.

The dealer did it, not me! LOL They then got the plastic welding guy to fix it, he did a very good job.

[Deeceer]

Finally got around to pulling the driver door trim on my 98 T4 to reattach the door check strap which came adrift at Christmas (the bolts vibrated loose, one was missing, I saw the other as it fell out).

Removing the trim was sooo easy thanks to this thread, especially the diagram and numbered instructions. I allowed an hour for the job and steeled myself for broken bits. It took 15 minutes and no breaks.

A few extra notes: On '98s (or at least on my model), there's no trim (1) and the inside of clip ( 8 ) isn't screwed in with an allen head, it's simply levered out with a sharp edge, allowing the external part to be withdrawn so there are obviously different types of these; gently does it levering off rosette (6) and start in the middle of the long edge; lever off trim cover (4) starting from the long edge that falls under your palm when holding the handle then, when the 'handle' portion of the cover unclips, slide the top portion away from the door; when lifting the door trim raise one side, then the other and when it's ready to come out it'll do so easily - if there's resistance, don't tug (I think that's how the clips get broken), just try raising the trim some more.

If you're repairing the check strap so the door has nothing to hold it open as I was, it could be handy to have someone hold the door for you. The trim is a two-hander once it's off and the other person can hold the door steady for you while you put the trim down. I did it on my own and it was a bit awkward at that point.

Before putting the trim back on, check that none of the rubber inserts in the clip holes on the door have come adrift - I found one had come off and dropped inside the door. I also found the check strap inner plastic shroud inside the door (must have come adrift when the check strap did).

When repositioning the trim, take it as gently as removing it - when it's in the right position you'll know. Don't push or force it (again, I think that's how the clips get broken).

All in all I was delighted at how straightforward it was. Thanks again Jets for the diagrams!

[jets]

You are welcome. I've been off the net for the last week or so getting a new computer, glad that it has helped you.