I think I am using the correct terminology; by "rocker panel" I mean the plastic body panels right below the doors.

Is there a way to remove them without destroying the clips that hold them on?

After removing the visible screws on the edge of the wheels wells, I tried prying them off starting at the front, but I'm breaking almost every clip.

 

Remove clips under car if there are any, and screws at front/back of the rocker panel if present, then slide it toward the front of the car and then pull out toward you. To reinstall, note orientation of clips on the car first and then remove them, then install the clips on the removed rocker panel itself. Push the rocker panel toward car so clips go into the holes. Reinstall any other clips/screws.


That's how it is done on my '99 Accord anyway, I assume it's the same. If not, sorry for you making you read that.

 

I had body work done last year and the body shop told me that they had to order new clips because they broke all of them removing the trim. So it looks like that may be the case with your panels.

 

This is how the rocker panels come off on my TL.

 

REMOVAL

Remove screws on front edge and expansion clips at bottom.

Hold the rear edge of the rocker panel outwards/pulling it clear if the car body, just enough to clear the rear wheel weld... While the rocker panel is held out and at the same time hit it firmly with a mallet to jar it free of the clips. The hit will be firm to hard.

Tip: You might want to protect the paint by applying masking/duct tape to the panel where it's being hit but first reduce the tapes adhesion by sticking the tape to your clothes first (pick up some lint). Less chance of peeling the paint off on removal.

You are basically sliding the panel off of the clips by shoving it forwards towards the front wheel.


INSTALL

Remove the white clips from the body by twisting them and pulling them out. It's kinda keyed. Note their orientation. I believe the flat side goes on the bottom.

Transfer them back on the rocker panel. Make sure they are seated correctly.

To install the panel just line up the clips with the rectangular holes and push straigh in.

Install the lower push clips and front screws.

Finish.

 

Thanks Bob!! As always, your answers are awesome

 

basically, removing them has been covered in this post, and let me reiterate what Red Ryder said.

When you remove them, you will have to slide the side skirts/rocker panels towards the front of the car and they will slide off, leaving the clips attached to the car. Sliding on the new side skirts will be an enormous PITA especially if you're by yourself.

Solution: remove the clips from the car, slide them onto the new side skirts while they are off the car, and then simply pop the new side skirts in.

 

sounds like I'm not going to my body shop ever again.

 

maybe they just don't have an internet connection.

 

Or they padded their pockets with an extra $25.

 

Oh man. I will have to check my invoice again but I think it was more like $125. This is why I hate mechanics.