Got my new rear interior plastic panels know how the hell do you install them without cracking them. I can't remove the strut bracket as they are welded. Anyone have any tricks to putting them in? Thanks

I think that it helps to remove the bolts, maybe just one, holding the struts to the brackets though.  They stick out and stop the edge from sliding by.  It's a tough job.

YES just what zed said I recently did this, remove the bolts try not to lose them its kinda awkward, remove the strut, remove the little plastic filler piece that is in the panel in the same area. Get the carpet out of the way, remove the tail light finisher.

When you say the strut bracket is welded in are you talking about the larger bracket that the strut pivots in at the top end. That bracket is bolted to the smaller bracket that is welded to the body. Here is a picture showing the nut you need to disassemble so you can remove the larger strut bracket to get more clearance for installing the new plastic panels. Unless of course yours is actually welded.

 

 

Edited July 8, 20168 yr by CanTechZ

Also the plastic panel around the quarter window should be removed as well as what @Dave WM said. As it overlaps the panel you are installing. Assuming this is on a 240Z, at least you only have this issue with the strut on the LH side.

Edited July 8, 20168 yr by CanTechZ

Thanks for all the input. CantechZ looks like I missed the nut on the inside. I saw that the head of the bolt was tack welded to the bracket and I thought that there was

a captive nut on the inside, my error. Looks like with that off and the other items removed it should go in fairly easily. Again, thanks for the help.