How to remove these clips without destroying?

[Tripledave]

I need to remove the splash guards on my 08 LC to install the Hewitt block off plates that come with the Gen II SAIS kit. Does anyone have a clue how to remove these 3 white clips without destroying them? Also, if anyone has a Toyota part number for them it sure would give me some peace of mind before tearing into them. Thanks in advance Mud!!

 

[CharlieS]

There are two clips on each plastic fastener that can be compressed to allow them to be pushed out. That being said, I just break them and replace them.

 

[Tripledave]

There are two clips on each plastic fastener that can be compressed to allow them to be pushed out. That being said, I just break them and replace them.

That is pretty much what I figured. Just didn't know if there was some sorcery involved with removal that anyone here had knowledge of.

That bag-o-clips with the part number will get me where I need to be, thank you sir

 

[CharlieS]

I think 'mud member @Taco2Cruiser has previously mentioned a trick he uses to remove them without damage, I think using a pick to depress the tabs. You might be able to search for more using his username.

It "seems like" you could slide a socket or something (tube) that is just a hair larger than the barrel of the white clip that would compress both tabs at the same time. For the couple of bucks involved, I've just never bothered.

 

[KLF]

Those stupid fasteners are a PITA, and shame on Toyota for making something that is almost impossible to remove without breaking it.

I have gotten a few out when I was doing my suspension. If you can get to the back side with a long pair of bent-nose pliers and squeeze the "catches" at just the right spot, they will come out. Make sure they are as clean as possible first, spray them down well with SimpleGreen or some other cleaner, then blow clean with compressed air. But some are just unreachable, so you have to break them.

 

[bloc]

And, if you need to leave the splash guard out for a couple weeks while you replace the clips that’s fine.

I’ve been meaning to measure my spares to see if any of the vinyl tubing I have lying around is sized correctly to depress the tabs.. but keep forgetting.

 

[urinalcake]

 

[CharlieS]

Good tool for many trim clips, but doesn't work on these. At least in my experience.

 

[KLF]

View attachment 3203536

Yeah i have a pair of those pliers, that would just break the ears off.

 

[OregonLC]

This is one of those things where it's perhaps better to improve than replace. SS hardware, nylock nuts, and fender washers and you now have a serviceable solution.

(This is an old pic from when the SPC UCA bushings broke and lost their shoulder).

 

[bloc]

And these clips are cheap. Keep spares on the shelf in case you have to destroy them.

 

[bgladd]

My splash guard is MIA, any idea what the part number is for the front right one? Thanks!

 

[bloc]

My splash guard is MIA, any idea what the part number is for the front right one? Thanks!

53781-60020
(Verify it fits your year/model before ordering, but I believe that to be correct)

 

[auggafj80]

I was also recently putting the blocking plates in. I just broke them and used some clips from a harbor freight set I purchased.

 

[bgladd]

53781-60020
(Verify it fits your year/model before ordering, but I believe that to be correct)

Thanks! That's the one!