Section 54 (Exterior/Interior Trim): Protector: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Subaru Baja. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Protector

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Attach masking tape to outer perimeter of side protector. (If original side protector is re-installed, tape the entire protector.)
Insert fishing line [0.8 mm (0.031 in) dia.] (A) between side protector (B) and vehicle body. Cut (pull the line) through two-sided tape (C) along side protector on the body. Using a puller, remove clips from vehicle body while pulling side protector towards yourself as required.

Fig 2: Pulling Side Protector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Identifying Clips
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTE:
- To increase adhesive remover strength, leave two-sided tape on body and side protector.
- If two-sided tape is too thick, use a putty knife to cut it thin so that adhesive remover is ready for use.
- If two-sided tape is hard to remove, heat to approximately 40°C (104°F).
Apply an even coat of adhesive remover to the two-sided tape.
Recommended adhesive remover:

SUMITOMO 3M4000 or equivalent

CAUTION: Do not apply adhesive remover to lacquer base coated body panels.
Attach plastic wrap (A) to adhesive remover coated areas and heat to 40 to 60°C (104 to 140°F) for 5 to 10 minutes using an infrared lamp (B).
CAUTION: Do not overheat until plastic wrap is somewhat white.

Fig 4: Attaching Plastic Wrap
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using a plastic spatula, remove traces of two-sided tape from body panel.
Remove masking tape and clean traces of two-sided tape using a cloth dampened with white gasoline.
Similarly, clean traces of adhesive from two-sided tape on side protector.
CAUTION: Make sure side protector is clean and free of adhesive remover. Clean if necessary.

Fig 5: Heating Two-Sided Tape To Remove
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.