Removing C-Pillar Trim

[jscherb]

Does anyone have any info on removing the C-pillar trim? I need to run a wire from the roof to under the back seat for a rooftop solar panel. Thanks in advance.

 

[TheDocAUS]

Can anyone help? I would like to add any response to the Link Resources as well.

We have B pillar only, at present.

 

[jscherb]

For background info.... I'm installing a slide-out solar panel up top and I need to run the wires from it down through the C-pillar.

The details...

For years I've used an ancient Garvin rack basket on my Jeeps, here's a picture of it on my JKU:

When I added solar, I built a front extension for the rack and implemented a sliding solar panel under the extension:
Deployed:

Stowed:

I'm now using the same Garvin rack basket on my Grenadier, I mounted it to factory Rhino crossbars:

And I modified the mounting of the front extension to adapt it to the Grenadier using Rhino crossbar parts (shown here on my workbench):

So to complete the installation, I'm going to add a connection at the roof (next to one of the factory connections) and run it down through the C-pillar to under the rear seat, where I'll install a solar controller.

The bad news - my solar panel can put out 24 volts in full sun, and according to CTEK, the D250SE will be damaged by that voltage so while I like the simplicity of adding the D250SE, I'll have to choose a different solar controller.

Anyway... if anyone has any info on removing the C-pillar trim it would be very helpful!

 

[Greg]

I have just done this, but on the right hand side.
Was pretty straight forward - just need to take your time and not force anything
Here is how I did it... I only have photos of the back sides of the panels - so I knew where the clip were for future reference.

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Remove the threshold cover - it just pulls off - no clips to break

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Remove black floor trim - this makes it easier to remove/replace the wheel well trim - at least on the right hand side.

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Remove wheel well trim - I don't have pictures but plenty about on the forum with instructions how.
Basically remove the three black nut covers. Remove nuts and slowly pull the trim off.
Lots of clips to break

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The next 3 panels are the ones you were asking for...

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Remove seat back bracket cover (1)
Pretty easy - pulls off, no breakable clips

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Remove top piece (2) with seatbelt coming out of it
This will require undoing the seatbelt anchor bolt in panel (3)m under a rubber cover if you want to remove it completely
I found a ring spanner worked just fine on this bolt - no room for a socket. It has blue loctite on the thread.
Bottom clips first, as the top has tabs the sit under the head lining which you will have to slide out.

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The next panel (3) has to be remove carefully on the right hand side as there are locating pins and all the wiring runs down this side for rear nato etc.
It may be easier if the seats were removed - but i wasn't going there - so I just had the seat base removed with the seat back folded down.
Remove the bolt that screws into the floor (red circle) - guessing at 10mm socket - has blue loctite
Remove the chrome tie down bracket (red circle)
Unclip - not many clips to break.
Again - long locating pins (blue circles) to deal with and some wiring, relays, plugs, etc to navigate as you attempt to get it out from beside the seat.

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Putting it back is obviously just the reverse - the pictures make it easy to know where the clips are to locate/push home.

 

[TheDocAUS]

Thanks, added to Link Resource list.

 

[jscherb]

Thank you! Exactly what I need.