Removing Top Panels - A Tool

[pauly1]

What do I do on a rainy afternoon? Install new Lamonster Garage LED Headlights in SpyderDeb's F3-L. But I have a strong dislike for removing the top panels - it feels like one is ripping the plastic apart. So I made a simple tool out of a cable tie, the plenum size. Takes a little finesse, but the panel simply releases. No snap (crackle or pop).

Image 1 - shows before and after modification of the head end of the cable tie. There needs to be a curve/bend in the cable tire to allow the end to find the space between the latch and the catch. A taper on the lead edges and a maximum height of 3/32". The first version was about .070"; I don't know what the minimum dimension would be to allow unlatching.

Image 2 - shows the approximate insertion location for the tool, marked by the pieces of tape.

Image 3 - where the end of the tool needs to end up to release the latch.

Image 4 - shows the inside of the top panel and the latch.

 

[Haze]

This is great. I installed the LED headlights without taking off the top panel. It was a chore.
With this tool I should be able to remove the offending panel and have access to wiring and
the headlamp height adjusters.

Thank You.

 

[Hoginedgewood]

I'm too new to get it. Video would be great!
So demanding I know.
Couple years ago I bought some automotive trim removal tools, they worked to remove the frunk. You are way above my pay grade.

 

[PW2013STL]

Nice job Wayne!

 

[pauly1]

As it continues to rain, the time was used to make the requested video. The 2 minute video is too large for posting on this forum. This link should allow you to view the video:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v7n8v1iuhfjjdnx/TopPanelToolUsage1080P.mp4?dl=0

Wayne

 

[T.P.]

HEY WAYNE!! You mean to tell us that Deb has been riding around for 3 1/2 years on halogen bulbs

great tool video. T.P.

 

[pauly1]

Low mileage in 2019, then went through 2 sets of Halogens in 5 montths. Figured it was a dreaded job and time for some good ones from Lamonster Garage. The dreaded part of the job was always removing those console panels.

 

[Hoginedgewood]

As it continues to rain, the time was used to make the requested video. The 2 minute video is too large for posting on this forum. This link should allow you to view the video:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v7n8v1iuhfjjdnx/TopPanelToolUsage1080P.mp4?dl=0

Wayne

Thanks Wayne! That's awesome! Im dreadful of hurting the wifes Tupperware. Sorry for your rain, April showers bring May flowers.

 

[darcas]

Great Idea !! Thanks for your post and pictures.

What do I do on a rainy afternoon? Install new Lamonster Garage LED Headlights in SpyderDeb's F3-L. But I have a strong dislike for removing the top panels - it feels like one is ripping the plastic apart. So I made a simple tool out of a cable tie, the plenum size. Takes a little finesse, but the panel simply releases. No snap (crackle or pop).

Image 1 - shows before and after modification of the head end of the cable tie. There needs to be a curve/bend in the cable tire to allow the end to find the space between the latch and the catch. A taper on the lead edges and a maximum height of 3/32". The first version was about .070"; I don't know what the minimum dimension would be to allow unlatching.

Image 2 - shows the approximate insertion location for the tool, marked by the pieces of tape.

Image 3 - where the end of the tool needs to end up to release the latch.

Image 4 - shows the inside of the top panel and the latch.

Great Idea, thanks for posting

 

[Isopedella]

Thats really clever.

Thank you.