LauraS

I don't know what caused it but the inside plastic cover of the pillar between front and rear passenger has come loose at the top. I think this is called the "B" pillar? I can see that there is a metal bracket angling down at about 45 degrees and a slot in the plastic trim that I am supposing fits into the metal bracket. My problem is how does one get the plastic slot under and then up into that metal bracket. It is pretty cold in the garage and I suppose this can wait for warmer weather but it is annoying just knowing the trim is loose.

dolucasi

Hi Laura. Are you trying to first take it completely off before remounting it? Having taken one off from a JY car to replace mine that was damaged, I recall it being very difficult to pry off.
I also noticed that the metal pieces had to be first inserted to the pillar cover when it is off, and then pushed in so the sharp metal fasteners bite into the body frame.

LauraS

Thank you. I would rather not remove the whole piece but it has separated at the top and doesn't appear broken. I suppose it will have to be pulled away at the bottom and then reattach the top first. I don't know how or why it came detached in the first place. I wonder if the seat has to come out to get near the bottom part. Maybe a job for the spring weather?

dolucasi

Yeah, no emergency here, I would wait for spring weather. For my manual seats, seats do not need to be removed, but the auto seats are more bulky, so I'm not sure.
It is odd that yours came off. Most likely the plastic part of the cover chipped off. Is the metal clamp(s) now on the cover or the car's body. I'm guessing they are firmly attached to the body.

LauraS

I will take a photo and post soon. Thanks

LauraS

No picture yet but from what I can see everything is intact. The trim piece has a platci projection with a slot and the B pillar has a metal projection that appears to fit into the slot of the trim. My guess to get the trim back into place I will have to remove the weather stripping around the door opening to get the trim close enough to the pillar. The weatherstripping also seems to help keep the trim in place. The upper part of the trim can be lifted out from the lower piece and that would enable the trim to be pushed close enough to the metal projection for it to engage the slot in the trim. Does all this make sense?

dolucasi

Yes I meant to tell you that the rubber/cloth weatherstrip needs to be pulled back around the pillar trim before any action. You may even gain a bit more insight into the matter. I'm pretty sure that the metal clamp has come off the trim. So you will have to pry the pillar cover back enough to pry off the metal clamp.

LauraS

Oops! So the metal piece belongs on the trim cover? I will have to take another look and see if I can take a photo. The way it is now the cover has no metal piece and it is attached to the b pillar.

dolucasi

Yes. I'm pretty sure the clip took a small piece of plastic that belongs to the trim with it when it separated. This is not usual but neither is the temperature extremes in your area for 30+ years. It finally gets to plastics I assume. I have never seen a separated trim out here in California, and I can say I have seen 100's for cars in the local junk yards for the last 7-8 years. So this must be the temp extremes.

No big deal though you can move the clips to a sturdy part of the plastic and then press the trim back into place. But if the plastic is brittle now it may happen again.

How is your plastic around the instrument cluster doing (vent frames)?

190Efan

I think this is an annoyance that can wait until the weather gets warmer for you. I agree with Dolucassi that this isn't typical and it looks like the extreme cold temperatures are the likely culprit. You'll probably also need to purchase a heavy duty glue to glue back what ever weatherstriping will need to be removed to get the job done.

LauraS

Thanks for the advice. Actually the weather this winter has been very mild and today about 5C and sunny. It;s mote like late March so I am going to tackle the job and take some photos. It does appear that something plastic broke off from the trim. I think that the door welting just slips on without glue as I recall from the time I had a wire to the window motor break. Will let everyone know what I find.

LauraS

I tackled the trim repair job todays ince it was 5C and sunny. The metal clip was in the B pilar and had become detached from the trim somehow. I removed the clip from the pillar and reattached it to the slot in the trim. Nothing broken as I suspected and I am relieved. The job was pretty tough especially prying that clip from the pillar. reattcahing it to the trim wasn't easy either since I have pretty weak hand strength but it all went together but discovered that the seat belt would not retract. There is a plastic piece attached to the trim that slides to adjust the height of the belt and the belt mecahnism has a pin projecting out that must fit into a round hole on the slide. Once I has everything lined up a good firm push on the trim connected it to the pillar. The door opening welt was refitted and "VOILA!" it's all back together. Thanks for all your help.

dolucasi

Great to hear! Seems you ended up taking it off to re-attach but it must have been a satisfying experience.

-Cheers!

LauraS

It seemed that the best way to get it together to to remove the clip from the pillar and reattach the clip to the trim on the work bench and Yes! it was nice to see it all back together again.

190Efan

I'm so glad you were able to solve this. Your pictures and instructions will no doubt help someone else in the future deal with this same issue. Great job.

LauraS

190Efan, Thank you.

190Efan

You're welcome.