Having shreaded a panel that had been on for many many years, and ripped a
fastener out of the thin pressed wood of a relatively new panel, I'm
thinking the fasteners get kind of stuck to the sheet metal of the hatch.
So I wonder if tapping on them and working on either side of the fastener to
try and gradually work them out might be better than than just *popping*
them out.

A very stout kitchen spatula or two might be the ticket.

Tom Salicos
'87 Syncro Westy EG-33

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Goubeaux" <john@UCSB.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 1:45 PM
Subject: removal of rear door panel

> Hello,
>
> Can someone give me a little insight as to the best way to pop off the
> panel that covers the rear door on a vanagon. Ie i need to get to motor
> for the rear windshield wiper. The plastic (i assume push in)
> snaps/fasteners are stubborn. Is it best to use a flat tool and slide it
> under the panel, popping the whole thing as I go?
>
> There has to be a proper technique so as not to mash up the panel?
>
> Thanks
>
> -john
>
>
>