Removing 'A' pillar trim

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I'm installing an egt and boost gauge on a 1997 Ram. How does one get the clips to release the OEM 'A' pillar trim piece (without breaking the clips or the 'A' pillar trim)??? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

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Rebel, not that hard to do, once you get over the fear of breaking it when trying to remove it!

The A pillar trim is secure with 2 spring loaded clips. Just grab the trim at the top and pull firmly away and toward you until the first clip pops out. Then continue to pull outward until you can reach the speaker wire so you can disconnect that. Then pull the trim outward toward the middle/bottom section to pop out the lower clip. You will then have to pull the trim piece upward to pull it out from behind the dash, and then it's pretty much out!

Removing this will not be as scary as butchering your A-pillar when installing your gauges and drilling holes to route wires and gain access to bulbs #ad


BOMBing require Bravery #ad


Vaughn
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"BLUE THUNDER"
'01 2500 QC Shortbed 2wd, Patriot Blue over Driftwood, HO 24v Cummins & 6-speed, 3. 54LSD, Cab & Fog lamps, Camper & Tow Pkg.
BOMBings: RV injectors, PS Boost module, Amsoil air filter, straightpiped exh. , SS fuel lines, debadged body, AutoMeter Sport Comp gauges, Amber turn signals, 55w halogen rev. lights.

My Ram & NW BOMBer Events

 

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Not sure of the A pillars in the newer rigs,but my '95 service manual warns the tech to have a replacement of the correct color on hand before removing the one that might get broken. First time I took mine off was a piece of cake,2nd time it broke and I had to replace it.

 

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Thanks for the input guys! Not knowing what the trim retaining clips look like, is it possible to somehow use a small screwdriver or other tool to help release them?

 

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I installed a A-pillar guage mount on my 97 and their right, once you get over the fear that you'll break it it will come right off. I just grabbed the A-pillar up by the windshield and pulled directly away from the windshield toward the door opening. One quick tug and it came right off. I really enjoy mine and am now looking to fill in the second hole with a engine oil temp guage.

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97 2500 4X4 CC WHT/DRFTWD 5sp 3. 54LS all stock, Rhino, Good Year 305/70R-16
dual A-pillar guage mount, 1- Westach EGT/BOOST, 2-(empty)
Kenwood 2m/440 mobile transceiver. Stock deck running Alpine
6 disk changer, active crossover 2-PPI amps 10" JL audio sub
sealed anclosure, MB-Quart mids & tweets in doors

 

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On my '98, I removed the rubber molding around the A-pillar and used a small screwdriver through the opening where the molding was and released the clips. I have removed it several times this way and it is a piece of cake. Take a flashlight and look into the opening. The clips are easily released with no fear of breaking the attachment.


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'98 4x4 12V QCab Auto (ready to BOMB)

 

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johnrv4, You had the answer I was looking for. Many thanks! By the way are you building or flying an rv-4?

 

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That little tip would have been handy for me!

I got over the fear of breaking it - and did just that! #ad


The last clip broke off inside the a pillar. I pulled it out, used some great glue and repaired it. Works fine.

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'01 2500 SLT+, QC, LWB, 4X4, 3. 54s, AT, SPA guages, Alpha Liner, every option but running lights!

'98 DUCATI ST2 "Bombed" 944CC with Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Exhaust, F. I. M. Chip, K&N and "modified" air box.

 

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Hi Rebel, after about 5 years of building, my RV-4 took to the air in October of '97. I have about 225 hours on it. Now that I have a airplane that will do 200mph, it's time to start bombing the truck and see what I can get #ad
.

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'98 4x4 12V QCab Auto (ready to BOMB)

 

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johnrv4, I'm building an RV-6(my second homebuilt) just starting the fuselage, everything else is completed. Have to admit that I've been sidetracked latley with this truck bombing obsession.

 

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I just removed my A piller and installed an A cover for my boost gauges over it. I went to a friend who is a body guy. He just stood by my open door and pulled firmly towards himself. It popped out, but broke one of the plastic clips in the A piller I was removing. He told me to just "weld" it back with a sodering iron. I did and put it back with my new gauge piller over it. Good luck! Mine is a 97 also.

Gordy


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1997 2500 4x4 auto w/ 4. 10 with horton fan, britebox, backoff lite, Rhino (all prior to heavy towing), now TST upgrade kit, 2 extra leaf springs, airbags, boost, tran, etg gages.

 

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johnrv4

THX!

Great Call!

Max