Can the front clip be removed without totally removing the rocker trim? As I recall, the bolt that holds the lower corner of the front fenders to the body are accessed by a hole in the fender that is covered by the trim. Can this bolt be reached from behind so that I only have to loosen the front of the rocker trim? Also, does the bumper and bumper bracket have to come off, or can the front clip - including the front gravel pan - be lifted up and over with the bumper in place? My car has show quality paint and so obviously I don't want to scratch or chip anything.
Both rockers come off, cneter bolt under radiator support, and a couple more at the firewall. Everything comes off in one piece, though you may want take the bumper off to lessen the load
I think there are 10 bolts total, four on each side at the rear of the front fenders to the body (two on each side are from the inside of the car, one from the outside under the rocker trim and one under the hood), and the two that mount the radiator support to the frame. The bumper is mounted to the frame, not the clip, so it doesn't have to come off, but it is easier if you remove it first. Remember to remove the heater duct from the heater box or firewall too... Pete
I have been taking the approach of not removing the front clip - concerned about boogering up my rocker trim and scratches and chips. But darn it you get such good access with it removed. All of the PITA items are right there for you to access. Hmmm.................
The rocker trim is reasonably easy to remove. You have to push down on the top edge, toward the ground, and pull out at the bottom edge of the trim and it will release from the clips that are mounted to the body. Pete
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