2004 Chevy Impala Rocker Panel cover removal

JESTER_MSC

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
45,000 MILES

This isn't really a problem yet but I want to avoid one in the future so here goes. I'm installing an after market amplifier in my car and need to remove rocker panel covers to conceal wires in my impala. I'm not sure how to do this properly without breaking the panels cover. My last car had screws that held them in place so it was much easier. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

5 Replies

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

They're held on by plastic clips similar to the ones that hold your door panels.

They're easy to pop off, but easy to break if you don't have the right tool.

Besides, it's easier and neater to run your radio wires through the center console.

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 10:28 AM

JESTER_MSC

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3 POSTS

There is no center console in that car otherwise i'd try that. What tool do I need? Is it just a panel removal tool? Thanks for the reply

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 7:18 PM

ERNEST CLARK

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It is similar to an upholstery tool, but unfortunately, I don't know exactly which one.

The best thing for you to do is go to AutoZone and ask them to look it up in their data base.

The data base that I have access to doesn't show me which tool, and there's just waaay too many "Special Tools" for me to know off hand.

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 7:26 PM

JESTER_MSC

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3 POSTS

Ok i'll try that. Thanks for the help

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 9:00 PM

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

Also, I began my automotive career as an installer. I'd still strongly recommend running those wires down the center of your vehicle. You can insert the wires under the carpet behind the dash, then fish them through the back with a coat hanger. And cutting a small hole in the carpet doesn't hurt anything, so long as you do it correctly. Patience!

The reason I say this, your wires get very cold and brittle running through the kick panels, they get chaffed and corroded from moister (kicking your feet on the kick panel).

When ever you see a professional wiring a sound system for competition, you NEVER see them running wires through a kick panel. So there must be a reason why, right?