I need to take the front door panels off of the Skeetmobile. I have broken a few window cranks at the JY because it's just the junkyard but I'd like Skeet's to stay on. Is there a better tool for this that I can choose? money is no object as it will stay with the car when Skeet picks it up

Not sure about the subaru clips, but on GM's a small terry washcloth works. You kinda wrap it around and pull it in the direction to remove the clip. The towel snags on the tips of the clip and pushes it out.

Good set of eyes, patience, and a small pick or similar tool.

 

Lay the side of your head up against the doorpanel and look behind the end of the crank up into the gap in the crank where you might be able to see the shiny clip. You are seeing the two tips of the clip when you look up in there usually and what you need to do is take the pick and push it against one side, on the end of the tip of one side of the clip and force it up and away. Then pull the crank off the end of the gear and catch the clip.

 

Part out a few cars and you get good at it.

C.R. Lawrence makes a full line of tools for removal and replacement of all auto glass. You might see if they are on-line. If not, visit a local glass shop and ask to see their catalog.

the gm style tool they have at autozone works just as well on subarus

A small pair of needlenose pliers should work. These are good for both removal, and reinstallation.

 

The best thing I've ever used is an old fashioned paint can opener (slightly bent to get the right leverage), but good luck finding one of those...

 

John

I always use a small piece of bailing wire or a paper clip with a vey small bend at the end of it, just enough to grab the clip.

If, as miles says, the GM tool will work, they are only $2-3 at the parts store.. its nice that everyone has their own special way, but there isn't much of an excuse for not using the right tool if its readily available and cheap. I have one.. I have also done it with needle nosed pliers and all sorts of other ways.. the right tool makes it much easier.

The easiest way I have found is with a small pick tool also. I use the round one. Slip it between the handle and the panel. Hook the clip and pull it out. As far as installing the clip. That's done with the handle in my hand. They just clip back on and then they just pop back on the regulator.

uh...Hemostats...man!

Originally posted by Hogsubie

uh...Hemostats...man!

 

good for while driving, too!

I've removed many - with a long flat blade screwdriver - just pull a little on the handle to get it in there, and hook the clip with the corner of the screwdriver - always worked fine for me, and I've never spent more than 2 minutes doing it. Never damaged anything either. And Qman is right on installation - just put the clip back on the handle, and you will notice that the splined shaft is beveled on the tip - just shove the handle on, and the clip will snap into place. Special tools are nice - but I get by with what I have generally. I think I will buy that axle pin punch tho - I have used a proper sized drill bit in the past, but last time I tried that on a badly stuck pin, the bit 'sploded in my face when I got on it with my BFH - got some hardened steel shrapnel in my forearm - was nice...

 

GD

SPRING HOOK!!!!! that's the tool to use.Accept no imitations.

 

This is a tool like Qman described but with a small hook on one end.Takes less than 5 seconds to get it with this tool.Never fails.

 

Ahh,the old hemostat daze......

I also use the flathead screwdriver. I press the door panel as much as I can to give me more room behind the handle to work. I havnt yanked a door panel for a year or 2, but I recall it not being that hard to remove and install the clip.

I'm going to buy a tool or something. Hemostat didn't work for me, too annoying to have to unlock it every time i missed. too dark in the garage (nice to borrow that since it rained and the brakes tood forever). no, i wasn't distracted by other uses for a hemostat either

thanks..