Remove A pillar trim

[mabnz]

Hey guys

 

I've been trying in desperation to remove my a pillar trim, so I can route my dashcam wires behind it. I've pulled and pulled (from the top) but it seems to be anchored somewhere I can't see, and with the airbag behind it (and being a new car!) I don't want to pull too hard.

 

Can someone help me understand how it fixes on?

 

 

Many thanks!

 

Mike

Edited 14 September, 2016 by mabnz

[Wakey]

carefully prise it away so the two v spring clips are released - it will be loose but still attached; then carefully pull upwards towards to roof

[DaryllH]

Let us know how you get on, want to also do this at the weekend.

[mk4gtiturbo]

I just tucked the wiring behind it (between it and the windscreen)

[Paulius55]

I also just tucked the wires behind it, very easy to do and the wires are not visible.

[Wakey]

I'd advise removing the trim and routing cable so it doesn't interfere with airbag

[decuk]

When I installed mine, it just tucked in. Think I pulled door frame seal away but that was it. Once you start you'll find the gaps.

[mabnz]

Success! The clips were v shaped, and they slot into the A pillar, but mine were really, really tight. A good deal of pulling and twisting before I could actually see them and pull the direction they need to come out.

 

Edited 14 September, 2016 by mabnz

[Jaco2k]

Success! The clips were v shaped, and they slot into the A pillar, but mine were really, really tight. A good deal of pulling and twisting before I could actually see them and pull the direction they need to come out.

 

I guess by now it is too late, but can you add a picture of the actual trim you removed (where the clips are visible) so that we know where to pull?

[mabnz]

I guess by now it is too late, but can you add a picture of the actual trim you removed (where the clips are visible) so that we know where to pull?

 

Sorry I've already put it back. But there are only two clips, the first is near the top about 10cm from the top, and the second clip is about 2/3 of the way, at the bottom.

 

If it helps, I've annotated on the attached image where the clips are roughly.

Edited 14 September, 2016 by mabnz

[GoodDoc]

I installed a Dashcam in my MKIII Octavia this afternoon, and the one step that caused me the most grief, was removing the trim from the A pillar.

I was pleased to find this thread, and then a little disappointed at the missing pictures. @mabnz's description was very helpful, but I though I would add a few pictures to help the next person with this task.

 

This is the reverse side of the removed trim piece.

 

 

Here you see the two metal V clips, and their plastic locating studs.

 

And the two mounting locations, at the top and middle of the A pillar.

 

 

 

I found the key was realising that you have to pull the trim out enough so the plastic studs come out of their locating holes (there's no 'wiggle' room, it has to come straight out), then slide the trim rearwards to allow the metal V clip to slide out to the wider part of the slot so the trim piece can come free.

 

Again, thank you @mabnz, you description was the difference between success and failure.

[spinifex]

Plenty of pix available in the thread HERE

[jrw]

Does anyone know length of the clips or for a part number? I've lost both of mine. One has actually gone into pillar, as for the other one, who knows! There are two sizes on eBay so want to make sure I get correct size.  Don't really want to take drivers side apart to measure them as I'll probably mess that one up too! 

[FrankLK]

I think I have somethimes a buzz from that part, any idea what could it be and how to solve it? 

[CookieMonster87]

@FrankLK I had the same on my passenger side.
 

I took it off and reseated it. Made a big difference. Still get a buzz now and again but it’s nowhere near as bad.

 

Failing that maybe some adhesive foam pads where it contacts the dash and window may help reduce the vibrations.

[FrankLK]

Thanks, if it gets worse I will have to take it off and play with it. 

[ScoutCJB]

On 14/09/2016 at 08:33, Wakey said:

I'd advise removing the trim and routing cable so it doesn't interfere with airbag

 

+1 

When i fitted mine I removed the trim and secured it to the loom that was there making sure it was well away from the airbag.  More work but peace of mind

[EnterName]

I have to admit, I was slightly gobsmacked to find airbags in the A-pillar.