Any tips on removing all left side panels on 2020+ RT, especially the large panel?

[troop]

Hey all,
This question is for those who have removed all the body panels from the left/clutch side of a 2020+ RT/RTL. I will be installing a Lamonster belt tensioner, and I have removed the (3) basic panels. I know I also have to remove both the driver/passenger floorboards. My question is for the big azz panel. For those who have done this, did you remove it as one big piece, or did you remove it in two pieces by taking off the shiny vent/grill looking piece? Any tips? Just gonna be a lot of torx screws and push pins. Thanks for any info

 

[Jetfixer]

You do not need to remove the drivers floorboard. It's easier to remove the large side panel if you remove the smaller panel (vents) from it first. The screws only go into plastic, so when you replace it, don't do more than seat them plus a little more. They strip out easily. As to the larger panel, there are a couple of "gotchas". First there is a plastic pin with the philips head in the front. Look just behind the A-arm. There are 2 regular plastic pushpins at the bottom near the drivers floorboard. Finally, there is a hidden clip just to the rear of the slot that the passenger footrest slides in. When all other hardware is removed, pull outward on the panel to undo that clip, then slide the panel forward until it is disengaged at the rear by the sidebag. You'll have to hold the panel outward for the clip to clear the footrest oval area. Then just do the obvious wiggling that will be needed to clear the drivers footboard.

 

[fatboy]

Leave the panel on; remove the push pins along the top; pull the panel out a bit; then use a long extension to get to the bolts.

 

[troop]

Leave the panel on; remove the push pins along the top; pull the panel out a bit; then use a long extension to get to the bolts.

Thanks. I was wondering if there was a way to do this by being able to just remove some rear push pins/clips and being able to pull out just enough to access the tensioner.

 

[RayBJ]

I've done it both ways and prefer removing the smaller panel and floorboard before the big panel. You can reach the front scrivet easier with glossy off. It's a PIA to put back but harder if floorboard isn't removed and it's dirt easy to take off.