nineball

2013 XLT supercab w/ the a pillar tweets, 4.2 screen if it matters, w/ sync.

i've been searching the forum looking for info on removing the a pillars from my truck and i have found all sorts of posts but they seem to be contradictory. some of them state the pillar trim just pulls off with 2 clips (one upper and one lower) and some state there is a special clip/loop on the top (due to the airbag) that may or may not be able to be removed without needing replacement. others state that the clips and/or receptacles may or may not break during removal (one even stated to cut the clips to avoid other damage as the clips are $2 and the receptacles are $50-400).

can anyone tell me, or point me to a thread, that definitively explains the removal process? i'd really like to know what i am getting into before i go removing them.

thanks.

smcnich

Driver side just pulls off. Passenger side you have to take the 2 bolts out of the grab handle first.

nineball

thanks.

paintballdude05

Not exactly. The drivers side does have two clips but the upper one is a complete PIA to remove. I broken my pillar cover when I removed mine, the plastic under the metal clip just snapped in half. The idea of cutting the clip instead of trying to pull it out during removal is a wise one. I was able to get a used pillar for an okay price since mine was ruined.

nineball

well that just rained on my parade. i'm trying to grasp how i would cut a clip without having the pillar already removed. can you shed any light on that?

paintballdude05

Once you pull the weather stripping back you can kinda see where the pillar mounts. You'd have to get in there and try to free with a pry tool or pliers in order to make removal easier.

poskwally

I just broke the top clip on my driver's side a pillar. Anyone know the part number for this little guy?

paintballdude05

I had the p/n at one point in time, but I can seem to find it or the source I got it from. Sorry!

Chad Walker

When I went to the Ford dealer looking for said fastener and the part number was "New A Pillar". I went to an autobody supply store and found something that was close.

chickenwire

Tinnerman clips (I believe that's the spelling.) You may be able to find at any auto parts store. (Assuming it's the metal that broke, not the plastic tab it is pushed onto.)