Have you been putting off removing those lower sill panels for a number of years?
I'll attempt to demystify this job in the next couple of threads.
Good luck!
Because the car was being restored I had already removed a lot of the parts required to access the hidden screws.
I would recommend working on one side at a time. This way both the front and rear of the car can be positioned on axle stands and increase your access behind the sill.
Before you begin loosen wheel bolts front and rear on the side your working on.
Jack up the car put it on the stands and remove the wheels.
Then remove both wheel arch liners and the rear wheel arch.
The workshop manual has detail on how to do these jobs.
Iโve just swapped over the rear arches on Pine Green and thought it would be worth doing a write up for others who wants to do the same. It took me about 45 minutes to change both sides, but allow about 90 minutes if itโs your first time. First job crack off the wheel bolts, jack up the car...
www.a2oc.net
The arch is held on with 13 torx screws.
Wheel arch trim
The sill rear end cap (viewed below) is flexible but if it's cold use a heat gun to gently warm but not hot enough to deform the plastic.
Fold it back on itself and the two body screws can be released and the arch can be removed.
Working under the car remove the row of torx screws along the lower edge of the sill.
Lower sill
Locations when removed
Start at the rear wheel sill trim cap and insert a trim tool between it and the sill. Use a Stanley knife blade to prise the two parts to gain access for the trim tool.
Trim tool between upper and lower sections
The heat gun can be used again to help reduce the chance of breaking clips.
Use a head torch or work light to help with the next part. Working under the sill out use heat gun yo warm the back of each clip then spray it with silicone Take hold of the trim tool and lift it up and down ever so slightly while at the same time pushing on the clip with the flat blade. If they won't click loose right away start from the beginning with another round of heat and silicone.
Once all the lower trim piece clips have been released do not allow the car doors to close.
At maximum flex
Removing the torx screws
With your head torch on work your way along the line of torx screws.
Removing the torx screw nearest thd back wheel will allow the sill end cap to be taken off.
Prop up the sill with something soft to prevent damaging if it falls. A cardboard box is good for this.
At the front end of the sill there is a screw in the door jamb and 2 clips under the front wheel arch.
Push the two clips and release the sill.
You may want to do this job to replace the brake lines fix the floorpan or fit new sills.