Trim Cliips - Source or Substitute?

This is a small and insignificant subject but an irritating one. The cowling trim clips seem impossible to remove without breaking or distorting them. I guess I don't have the knack of finding the little center section of the plastic part that has to be raised without damaging it.

So, does anyone know of a cheap source for these trim clips, or, better yet, a substitute clip that is easier to remove? The best price I can find for ten (with shipping) is $30 which seems exorbitant to me.

In previewing this post it occurred to me that the term "trim clip" could have a double meaning. I'm not that clever or funny and I'm just inquiring about the fragile little black plastic part. I know about the Saturn clips and the GM clips are too large for my '06.

 

The problem may be your removal technique.....the center section is to be pushed IN for removal.



Rex

 

I've heard these will work
http://www.thefastenerwarehouse.com/catalog/item/568361/2509109.htm

Action

 

I find them as annoying as hell, and would rather they use a screw/bolt instead. Or a Dsuz fastners.

 

Was going to say the same thing...

also agree with Spike, dsuz does it for me

 

I use the technique that rode2rouen shows in the diagram and still have all the original trim clips on my 2002 that I have had since August of 02. Not bragging or anything, I just find that they are pretty durable when you use the correct technique. Push the center in, then pull the clip out. After that you have to spread open the tabs to get the center to go back out, past flush, then once inserted push the top flush and it will hold until you push the center in again for removal.

 

I just removed my side panel for an oil change. 05 model. I had no problems with the clips. I used a small allen key to push the centre in. Sometimes you need to wiggle the panel a little as it may be pressing on the side of the clip and jambing it. I managed to get all the clips out and reinstalled without any damage. Just be patent and gentle. If it doesn't come out easy something is jambing it. Seadooloo's technique I found to be spot on.

 

Rex,

Oh . . . I was trying to remove them like GM trim clips. I will have to give them another chance. Thanks for all the informative replies.

 

I only trashed 4 of the little buggers before my Ebay shop manual showed up!!!
It's kinda stoopid of Honda to not put the trim clip "operating instructions" in the Owner's Manual!


Rex

 

This diagram should be on the home page. Broke 3 before i figured out how to remove them and then couldn't figure out how to insall without finding this in a search. Thanks for posting. Seriously this should be pinned in maintenance.

 

http://vfrworld.com/forums/general-vfr-discussions/9098-black-plastic-clips-fairing-need-order.html

This may be a re-post but there are some solutions on this thread. But I think the ones Action posted seem to be the best bet and easiest to use.

 

http://www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=39


Slightly more expensive option than the GM clips, but I've found that the GM ones are just a wee bit too big. Bolt's prices still beat the shit outta Honda's prices!!