i hear from some that theyll break if you remove them, some say they have removed and re-installed no problem. i have an 04 mini, need to take these off to get the headliner out, and im going to have them covered in suede.

 

My service guy told me that A and C can not be re-used, only B.

Good luck and if you figure it out let everyone know the real answer.

 

crap

 

i believe it's possible, it's just the re-installation process of it. search from previous post, i'm pretty sure it was discussed before. cause i was interested in getting a set and paint them.

 

I also have an '04, and I was not able to completely reinstall the C-pillar trim piece once I had removed it to run the antenna wire for my XM Direct.

 

I don't know the letter they are (A pillars MBE?), but the interior vertical ones on either side of your windshield are reusable. The SA at the dealership told me they were not reusable so I called MINIUSA & they said that was not true, they are reusable. You just have to be really careful to not break any clips when removing them. MINIUSA said if any clips break to replace them because then they will be a safety hazard

 

nice. i guess ill just be very careful removing them. the middle ones i have no problem, its the front and back ones

 

I got so pissed trying to remove the metal retaining clips that are designed for airbag deployment that I ripped all my pillar covers off. It CAN be done. Pop them off slooooow and with the metal clips...you need a second person to pull the cover while you manipulate the tabs on the clip. You'll know what I mean once you get in there. The clip is attached to the reaining strap.

 

yea, ive seen in the C pillars the clip in the strap you're talking about. i couldnt get it loose....i dont wanna break it...any pointers on getting that strap loose?

 

like bamatt said, the A pillars are reusable. My direct power cord for my radar detector runs across the headliner, down the A pillar and into the dash.

 

All the pillars use the metal clip. Like i said earlier....one pulling..the other with 2 small flathead screwdrivers having fun! good luck.

 

do you have to disconnect any airbags or anything before you remove the pillars?

 

No...and IF you do want to ever disconnect the bags..make sure the battery is disco'd. AND NEVER touch the connector pins on the airbag with your fingers. The static electricity could set them off.... Oh...and if you do disconnect the airbags make sure they are reconnected BEFORE you turn the key on or else you will throw an airbag light.

 

and not to be mean... if it happens take pix... when i was wiring up my radar detector i removed my a-pillar not thinking. Staring that curtain airbag right in teh face. Whew that was a sobering moment.

 

ahahahhaha lolol

i have the airbag plugs under my seat unplugged right now, and the light is on...ive unplugged and plugged back in before no problem....should i be concerned about that

 

You "COULD" produce a shock to set them off everytime you unplug the connectors with the battery connected. Not to say I havent donr that EVERY time. But the chance is there. I saw on a honda forum of a guy who was doing that and was knocked out by the bag deploying... I have NO airbags so I really dont worry about that anymore...lol.

 

You need to talk to gnatster he may have some answers.

 

i will PM him now.

im taking the headliner and pillars wed. to get covered in black suede.

 

It's very easy, no PM needed..

Step 1 Take car to favorite trusted shop

Step 2 Explain in detail to tech what needs to be done

Step 3 wait 2 weeks

Step 3a visit shop often

Step 4 wait another two weeks

Step 4a fill self with dread that simple job is taking so long

Step 5 Write check

See, very easy to do.

 

LOL i dont want to pay someone.

do you have info on how to remove them though?

 

bump, i still cant get the A and C pillars out, and im supposed to take them and the headliner to get covered in suede. on the C pillars, i got them hanging, but theyre still attached by that black strap thing. i assume thats for the airbags.

how do i get this thing loose!!!!!! lol


and the fronts, i dont even know where to start prying/pulling.... HELP!!!!! ASAP!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!

 

bump, no one?

 

I got mine out no problem, but then I also had new pillar covers to replace them with. For the A's, grab the edge along the windshield and pull towards you. It will pop off, but the retainer strap will stay connected to the metal clip. The A and C covers are not designed to be reused, so the manual says to cut the straps and remove the metal clips. The new covers have the retaining strap attached to the metal clip. The same removal process goes for the C covers. Hope this helps.

 

so if i pull starting at the windshield, itll come out, and will any clips break? at that point(if i dont cut the strap) could i put it back in and itll clip back in?

IF i cut the strap, can it be re installed, it just will mess up the airbag? can i just disconnect the airbags in the A and C pillars? i really could care less about them, lol.

ive heard there's a way to get the pillars off without cutting the strap/breaking anything, and reinstalling them.

 

i didn't remove the A or B pillars
but i removed my C pillars in order to take out the rear seat belts then re-installed the pillars

i just used a soft tipped pry bar very gently, borrowed a buddy to help, and took my time. i actually did it over the course of 3 days lol

if you aren't in a rush and just work the clips you can get them off without breaking them, just have to look at them and make sure you aren't pushing the clips in the wrong direction etc

hope that helps a bit

i remember it was quite frustrating