how do I remove plastic doorsill

[john 05141]

I want to remove the plastic doorsill in the Delorean. I am talking about the one with the DMC logo in it, so the bottom plate only.
I can lift the ends if I gently pull it, and as far as I can see there is some double sided tape in there.

The sills are 30 year old plastic so I do not want to risc cracking them. Is there a procedure to take them out?
Are they all glued with tape? (I am oct '81 VIN 5141) I've seen cars with screws in the sills to hold them down, I want to avoid that.

I want to do this to install SS doorsills, but to sand and spray paint it is much more convinient when removed from the car, or should I leave it there as it sits good.

thanks for any comments,
Jan

[MML]

but to sand and spray paint it is much more convinient when removed from the car, or should I leave it there as it sits good.

thanks for any comments,
Jan


I'd like to know too, for this very reason!

[Tillsy]

It's held down by four or five plastic tabs that poke down into metal clips. Flex one end up a little so you can see under it with a flashlight, poke a flathead screwdriver at one of the tabs, and then gentle pivot up until it pops out. Repeat until they are all out and you're free! I've noticed early VINs have screws through the top of the sill - not sure if that is all that holds them or is in addition.

Putting the sills back is the hard job - you need to carefully align each tab to poke directly down on its clip before pushing down. If you push down and are misaligned you'll dislodge its clip inside your chasis never to be found again :(

Each time I've reinstalled I've found I need to align the tab with the clip, but must use a flathead screwdriver to push the tab toward the inside of the car a few milimetres to align properly before pushing down.

Hope this helps!

[Tillsy]

plastic tabs that poke down into metal clips

Here's a photo I took from when I installed my illuminated sills which shows where the plastic tabs poke into. There are six slots, and within each of those slots you'll be able to make out there is a "V" style clip in there. That's what the plastic tabs poke into (assuming you align them properly and don't pop the V clip into the channel of nothing!).

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18026&d=1365511949

[john 05141]

Thanks for this very helpful tip tip Chris.

I think I might risk to crack the epoxy glue of the ss doorsill when I push it back in. Epoxy is not flexible at all. I think it will be safer and easier to just leave it in there and glue everything in place right there.

Jan

[1batt4u]

Here's a photo I took from when I installed my illuminated sills which shows where the plastic tabs poke into. There are six slots, and within each of those slots you'll be able to make out there is a "V" style clip in there. That's what the plastic tabs poke into (assuming you align them properly and don't pop the V clip into the channel of nothing!).

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18026&d=1365511949

Where did you pass the wires to power the door sills?

Do you have pictures of them illuminating?

[Tillsy]

Where did you pass the wires to power the door sills?

I unpeeled a bit of the vinyl trim a little, poked the wires through, pushed the vinyl back down, and then put the inner door seal back on. Nice and hidden :)


Do you have pictures of them illuminating?

Here you go...

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15608