How does the trim piece come off? Clips...? or from inside the truck with screws? I don't want to break it.

It's the black plastic piece behind the doors, that says 4runner on it. 5"x15".

thanks

 

I believe they are 'captured' trim, meaning there is a clip in the body that holds the piece on. They should pop off with some moderate pressure. But don't quote me on that. I've never taken mine off.

 

Are you talking about the piece that runs up your B pillar, where your shoulder belts for the front seats are bolted?

 

I took some off a while back, I think you push up first then pull out or out first then slide them up, I've got some in a box somewhere, I'd post a pic of the back and you could see how they come off but I don't know which box they're in.

 

I just took mine off today. I believe the only way is to just pry them off.
I broke 2 of the plastic clips but I believe you can get them from a hardware store

 

You have to break the clips that hold it on. I've heard that some versions allowed you to flex it in such a way as to allow the louver to pop off, but you'll still need to remove the old clips by breaking them to re-install it.

The easiest way to remove it without damage is the use a putty knife and a hammer to shear the clips. But you have to know where the clips are to cut them.

BTW: those clips are a dealer item and they are $4.00 each.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll try the putty knife easy-pry method... If it feels like something will break I'll knix doing it...

 

Really? 4$ piece? You cant get them from anywhere but the dealer?

 

The clips have a funky square head on them that fit into slots on the back of the louver panels. You might be able to find some generic body clips that will work, but I didn't have any luck.

BTW, you don't pry with the putty knife; you use it to bust the clips which is why you also need a hammer. If you try to pry the louver off, the slots on the back of the louver will break before the clips do. You'll need to slide the top back to reach the clips towards the rear.

BTW2: There are actually two style of clips required. IIRC, the ones on the bottom are a different part number.

 

Dang I just took mine off today and broke a few of the clips. (Painting the 85!)
Sounds like ill have to just break down and buy some from the dealership