2004 Chevy Impala Rocker Panel cover removal

Tiny
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
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 AT 10:50 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
JESTER_MSC
  • MEMBER
  • 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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
JESTER_MSC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok i'll try that. Thanks for the help
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
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?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 9:10 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Radio Amplifier Content

VIEW MORE