Tech tip: easy on/off fender liners by using replacement clips

[Tex]

Those screw clip things are a joke. I had to drill one out on the interior because the threads had already been stripped before I even got to it. I went the same route and just stopped into an O'really's or however you spell it and got some push clips that seemed to be the same size. Already have a set of pliers made specifically for them from previous work on Toyotas, and they're infinitely better.

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[DefNotBuddyLee]

@Rick Astley , won't this void my warranty? I heard Magnusson-Moss was cool with most things except for fasteners.

 

[derichio02]

This has been an absolute life saver on many occasions. I even replaced some clips on my Wildtrak with units from this set and did not have to drill anything. Oh yeah and get the pliers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L6FJGR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Haelous]

This has been an absolute life saver on many occasions. I even replaced some clips on my Wildtrak with units from this set and did not have to drill anything. Oh yeah and get the pliers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L6FJGR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$14 to not hate myself and another plastic trim removal kit is included, seems good. I broke half my last one, could use a refresh.

 

[wrbix]

Think using smaller diameter push clips (3/16”?) might preclude need to drill out the holes?

 

[FstFrd00]

I hate those stupid push pins so much I that I bought pliers specifically for them, similar to those below.

And if you're gonna use these, do yourself a favor and pick up some push-pin pliers. They can be had in straight or 90° and are infinitely better than dicking around a screwdriver.

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

@derichio02 , some truth there. Between family and friends vehicles, an absolute must have. The number of times I have been asked about a "weird sound" that was related to missing push pins on underbody sound deadening or other trim is too much.

 

[Donkeygyrl]

Great idea,my ludicrously long and powerful arms can reach under liner over tire no problem .
But just looking at those screw clips makes them fail.

 

[BigHoof]

The reason why I didn't link to what I bought is that what I have are OEM Mitsubishi clips for the trunk liner of a 2006 Evo 9 (Yes, that specific), which were at the time, $3.49 for a pair. So what I'm using specifically won't be what people order.

Any push clip with a 1/4" post will work, and for the overall height what I'm using is a little short which makes the pressure and hold very tight, but less user friendly than if you got something readily available like this:

Note: I'm not endorsing the product above or saying it will work for Bronco, it's the correct type of clip but in metric so you'll need to convert the shaft width to SAE and see if it works for you. 1/4" will require you to drill out the holes to 5/16", but is a great fit.

This style does not work well in the eastern states where they use salt, cinders, and sand on the roads. Inevitably sand gets into the rear portion making removal all but impossible. My Subaru uses a very similar design. You pretty much have to destroy them to remove once they have been through a winter season. I'm sure they are cheap enough to replace though.

 

[Rick Astley]

This style does not work well in the eastern states where they use salt, cinders, and sand on the roads. Inevitably sand gets into the rear portion making removal all but impossible. My Subaru uses a very similar design. You pretty much have to destroy them to remove once they have been through a winter season. I'm sure they are cheap enough to replace though.

Meaning the factory screw type works well in the rust belt?

I mean, the factory clips don't work after 6 months without salt so it's new learning that the salt/sand aid their function.

 

[BigHoof]

Meaning the factory screw type works well in the rust belt?

I mean, the factory clips don't work after 6 months without salt so it's new learning that the salt/sand aid their function.

No, they don't work well either.

 

[Gtrekker]

Perect!!! Great idea...

This is what makes working on your own vehicle so must better... Thank you!!

 

[Bronc69]

I just installed the Rek Gen mud flaps on the front of my Bronco.
The factory clips were horrible! I tried to back out the screw and one of the eight that I had to remove actually worked. I ended up prying them out far enough that I could get my wire cutter on them and just snipped them off.
With the mud flaps, the fasteners are replaced with screws to hold them on.
I'm interested in switching out the other factory clips.

BTW: Installing the Rek Gen mud flaps is super easy. Took me longer to get the clips out than to actually install them.

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