Removing Black Rear Window Side Vents

[KJRGT]

I'm in the process of replacing both side vents next to the clamshell window.
Each one is held in place with 5 sheet metal type screws that screw into the vent from underneath. The first four are easy access, but the last one on each side (at the rear of clamshell) is behind those black curved vent covers placed on each side of the clamshell.
I proceeded to use a T-20 bit to take the four or five bolts out to remove the vent cover and found each one was REALLY locked in tight.
Not wanting to bust anything, is there something I need to do other than be careful and slowly try to back them out? I assumed they were just threaded into the clamshell.
Much appreciated!

 

[GT Tech]

There is nothing special with the torx screws. Nothing will drop as they come out. Just be REAL careful taking the last louver screw. It's very short, and has a washer. If you drop it, it could end up inside the lift gate. (not fun getting it out).

:thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[Fubar]

If you drop it, it could end up inside the lift gate. (not fun getting it out).

Do you get the feeling he has been there and done that. :biggrin

 

[GT Tech]

Fubar,

If you've got a minute, let me tell you a little insiders tale. Keep this between us. :wink:wink

We had an issue at the shop one time. When Saleen sent the cars to us, they would come with strips of masking tape around the back lite. They used it to help hold the glass in place till the butyl set up. We would pull it off at Wixom. For whatever reason, We had a run of cars that, when the tape was pulled off, the paint on the louver came with it. That led to changing a more than a few louvers. Need I say more? :wink:wink

 

[KJRGT]

Thanks much TFG.:thumbsup
Fubar...what made you think that???:lol

 

[LarryS]

I'm also replacing my side window vents.
I'm attempting to remove the metal plates for access to the hidden screw.
Do I have to remove the 2 screws that don't appear to be holding the plate?
I have the other screws removed, but the metal plate does not want to
come off.
thanks.....Larry

 

[RV King]

I'm also replacing my side window vents.
I'm attempting to remove the metal plates for access to the hidden screw.
Do I have to remove the 2 screws that don't appear to be holding the plate?
I have the other screws removed, but the metal plate does not want to
come off.
thanks.....Larry

I had to replace mine as well. I had quite a few discussions with nota4re (a great help) on this. You just gently have to work it out. You are going to love how Ford has put these together once you get them out. (fit & finish at it best) You will have to grind off the melted plastic that hold the metal vents in place and then you will have to melt the new plastic piece on to metal to get it back together. I took the pieces to my Ford dealer and had them melt the two pieces back together for me. They were happy to do it. I was under warranty though.
Good Luck!

 

[HHGT]

I had to replace mine as well. I had quite a few discussions with nota4re (a great help) on this. You just gently have to work it out. You are going to love how Ford has put these together once you get them out. (fit & finish at it best) You will have to grind off the melted plastic that hold the metal vents in place and then you will have to melt the new plastic piece on to metal to get it back together. I took the pieces to my Ford dealer and had them melt the two pieces back together for me. They were happy to do it. I was under warranty though.
Good Luck!

And like there is no plastic in BMWs. Paaalllleeese....:bored

 

[LarryS]

You just gently have to work it out.

After removing the other 2 screws, they are loose,
but just don't seem to want to come out
(and I don't want to break or bend anything).
Seems they are attached to some screening inside?
Do I pull harder?

ps....service manual sure is useless

 

[RV King]

Larry here is a shot of what you will have to deal with...

 

[RV King]

After removing the other 2 screws, they are loose,
but just don't seem to want to come out
(and I don't want to break or bend anything).
Seems they are attached to some screening inside?
Do I pull harder?

ps....service manual sure is useless

Yes you need to pull a little harder. There is a plastic rectangular tray in there with foam strip attached to the tray. They get hung up in there. Just be gentle!!!

 

[LarryS]

Larry here is a shot of what you will have to deal with...

I understand that (I have the new parts)
I am trying to remove the metal plates.
thanks....Larry

 

[RV King]

And like there is no plastic in BMWs. Paaalllleeese....:bored

Hey....Mr, Fit & Finish...I am referring to the method of assembly used by your Union Brothers, not the material.

:slap

 

[HHGT]

Hey....Mr, Fit & Finish...I am referring to the method of assembly used by your Union Brothers, not the material.

:slap

:tongue

 

[Shadowman]

After removing the other 2 screws, they are loose,
but just don't seem to want to come out
(and I don't want to break or bend anything).
Seems they are attached to some screening inside?
Do I pull harder?

ps....service manual sure is useless

Larry

There is an air duct attached to the screens and yes they will slide out

As for the installation of the new pieces; as shared you will need to swap the screens from one to the other; NBD simply removed the old screens and if you have a soldering iron with a pad tip attachment you can melt the studs once the new screen is in position. You could also do it with a traditional soldering iron tip however it will not be as nice looking. Now when reinstalling the vents do "NOT" over tighten the small screws or you will see evidence of them in the form of little dipples in the top surface. I found this out the hard way long ago as such I remove the tip of the screws on the belt sander before installing them thus insuring that this does not happen.

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[LarryS]

Thanks Shadowman
I did notice that my screws had double washers,
I will take off the tips anyway.
Larry

Larry

There is an air duct attached to the screens and yes they will slide out

As for the installation of the new pieces; as shared you will need to swap the screens from one to the other; NBD simply removed the old screens and if you have a soldering iron with a pad tip attachment you can melt the studs once the new screen is in position. You could also do it with a traditional soldering iron tip however it will not be as nice looking. Now when reinstalling the vents do "NOT" over tighten the small screws or you will see evidence of them in the form of little dipples in the top surface. I found this out the hard way long ago as such I remove the tip of the screws on the belt sander before installing them thus insuring that this does not happen.

Takes care

Shadowman