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Removing grab handles

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Dngrsone, Aug 8, 2020.

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  1. Dngrsone

    Dngrsone Underwhelmed, to say the least

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    I am trying to run a wire from the hatchback to the front (rear dashcam), and I can't seem to be able to remove the little plastic covers to get the grab handles off (without doing too much cosmetic damage).

    How do I remove these things so I can route the wire through the headliner, and then reinstall them?
     
    #1 Dngrsone, Aug 8, 2020
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Not sure if they used the same handles in your car that they put in mine, but if they are:

    Use a bit of string and ballast to hold the handle down against its return spring.

    Then look at the hinge-ends of the handle- there should be two plastic covers to pry off. Mine have little keyways to get a screwdriver or prybar started.

    Once the covers are popped off you'll find capscrew fasteners making the structural connection to the roof- back them out, catch the falling parts and (eventually) reverse for reassembly.
     
    #2 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 8, 2020
  3. Dngrsone

    Dngrsone Underwhelmed, to say the least

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    This is what mine look like. I've tried with a screwdriver in the little notches, but there does not seem to be any latches released
     
    #3 Dngrsone, Aug 8, 2020
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I don't think the mechanism qualifies as a latch. Heck, it's a stretch to use the word 'mechanism.'

    AFAIK there isn't really a latch, the keyway is to let you put enough tension on the covers to cause them to deform and stretch slightly, so that they pop off of the handle hinge bases.

    More like popping a bottlecap than unlocking a deadbolt.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 8, 2020
  5. Dngrsone

    Dngrsone Underwhelmed, to say the least

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    Ah, so I just need to be a little more forceful
     
    #5 Dngrsone, Aug 8, 2020
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    The Rules of Brute Force

    1. If it isn't working, use more.
    <end>
     
    #6 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 8, 2020
    Raytheeagle and Dngrsone like this.
  7. Dngrsone

    Dngrsone Underwhelmed, to say the least

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    Here's what they look like after removal. Prying along the diagonal seam appears to be the best bet

    20200809_082016.jpg 20200809_082027.jpg
     
    #7 Dngrsone, Aug 11, 2020
    krmcg likes this.
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