Rear Exterior Trim Removal - Socket Size?

[DavidJ]

hi,

just a quick query - i want to remove the long plastic strip above the rear window, but don't know the size of deep socket i need. i think it might be 10mm, but can anyone confirm this for me before i buy?

i've been spraying the side trims in plasti-kote enamel black, and it looks like new.

much appreciated

david

[System-G]

Hi David,

If you're planing on self-maintaining or doing odd little things to your car, it would be worth buying a full socket set. Also do go too cheap as they break. Halfords Professional are pretty good and come with a lifetime warranty

[j0nathan]

hi,

just a quick query - i want to remove the long plastic strip above the rear window, but don't know the size of deep socket i need. i think it might be 10mm, but can anyone confirm this for me before i buy?

i've been spraying the side trims in plasti-kote enamel black, and it looks like new.

much appreciated

david

I think it is 10mm. You can use a short socket and a pair of long nosed pliers.

Jon
----

[Tiamat]

Hi David,

If you're planing on self-maintaining or doing odd little things to your car, it would be worth buying a full socket set. Also do go too cheap as they break. Halfords Professional are pretty good and come with a lifetime warranty

Kinda got the impression he already has a socket set but needs a deep socket to remove the bolts - which in most cases will be a one of purchase as you only ever really need 10mm or 14mm deep sockets, unless you doing the hubs.

[DavidJ]

hi tiamat,

you're right, i do, but they won't reach over the long threads that hold the long piece of trim on. i'll get a 10mm deep.

all replies appreciated!

cheers

david

[Tiamat]

sudden thought - do you have a spark plug socket?
these are either 14mm or 10mm - if you do then that may fit the bolts you are referring to.

[DavidJ]

err, think i do but don't think it's as small as 10mm. will check though.

thanks

[System-G]

Note to self: Read post properly before responding...

[Lunarmatic]

err, think i do but don't think it's as small as 10mm. will check though.

thanks

If your spark plug socket/wrench fits the plugs on the mk1 then it will be 10mm IIRC.

If that doesn't work I'd recommend a set of box spanners. I got mine pretty cheap I think, they're made by Draper. The ones I have are basically 10cm long metal tubes with the ends flattened into a hex and a hole through the tube to put a metal bar through to turn them. I got three in a set, think they are 8mm/9mm, 10mm/11mm and 12mm/13mm. Because they're open tubes they'll reach over long threaded shafts and I've even found you can stack them on top of each other (the ends will fit into one another) to improve the reach if necessary and you can always attach a normal spanner on the top too. They've come in very handy in the past. I'll post a pic of them if my explanation doesn't help!

[Tiamat]

If your spark plug socket/wrench fits the plugs on the mk1 then it will be 10mm IIRC.

correct - should have said that myself!

[dasher]

Hi,

I may be wrong, because it was over a year ago when i took that piece off, but i'm fairly sure they're 8mm nuts.

Regards, Daz

[HT]

Hi,

I may be wrong, because it was over a year ago when i took that piece off, but i'm fairly sure they're 8mm nuts.

Regards, Daz

Yes I'm pretty sure as well thats its 8mm - I think I just struggled and used a pair of long-nose pliers, its not ass if the thing needs to come off regularly. HTH

[DavidJ]

hmm, i did wonder if they were smaller than 10mm.

i'll try the pliers approach, but i know it'll p**s me off because i'll drop at least one or two. but hey, like the man says, they're only coming off the once for a tidy-up.

(did also want an excuse to buy a shiny new socket, but a full set is on the purchase list)

while i'm here, i'm having problems with my battery draining. i know (and i mean know) it's not the battery. does anyone know if the clock is supposed to stay lit when the ignition is off - it doesn't in my mazda, and i'm guessing the clocks are pretty generic in late 80's jap cars? either way, i have a problem...

cheers

david

[kaiowas]

Pretty sure my clock goes off with the ignition.

[spudgun]

I'm pretty sure there 8mm as well. Bit late now though if you have bought the socket.

[Lunarmatic]

while i'm here, i'm having problems with my battery draining. i know (and i mean know) it's not the battery. does anyone know if the clock is supposed to stay lit when the ignition is off - it doesn't in my mazda, and i'm guessing the clocks are pretty generic in late 80's jap cars? either way, i have a problem...

cheers

david

The clock is definitely supposed to go off when the ignition is fully off. If your key is worn then it is possible to take the key out of the ignition switch with it in the ACC position (don't need to press the button in) and this will leave the clock on and drain your battery. I've had this with my car. If you've definitely got the ignition switch fully off and the clock is still on then something is up with your ignition switch or some other wiring on the ACC circuit.

[DavidJ]

hi lunarmatic,

then i have a problem, but that's good to know - odd to think that a tiny digital clock could drain whole battery though.

not bought socket yet - still time for an 8mm

thanks

david