The grey plastic trim over the rear wheel of my Pontiac Vibe (2003) came off. On this metal there are small plastic protuberances which are to be slotted in their correct slots on the trim itself. The openings of the slots is from both the right and left. I have not been able to get more than three attached. I am guessing this is some trick that will make the job easy. Is there?
Is the trim one piece or are the clips a separate part?
If the clips are separate detach them from the trim and put them in the slots in the body.
Then it should just be a matter of press the trim in place.
The strip is in one piece and there are slots on the under surface which are molded from the plastic, and these attach (by sliding) onto the square plastic protuberances on the car body itself.
chances are those plastic things are supposed to be on the wheel trim first, then you snap the trim into the sheet metal. they’re probably “christmas tree” trim fasteners like this:
http://www.plastic-fastener.com/catalog/index.php/dw/op/a/7/c/17/p/16?m=no
when the car is assembled, the trim piece arrives with those fasteners already slotted in, and the operator merely pushes them into place. you might try to find a trim removal tool like this:
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=683
pop those plastic fasteners out of the sheetmetal, put them back on the trim piece, and snap the trim into place.
I think you are exactly correct. I will try to remove one and see what happens.
Also, how’s the weather where you are?
Plastic trim pieces are very stiff even at room temperature, and surprisingly flexible even when warmed up just a little bit. You might be able to bend or curve the trim piece just enough to get everything to line up so you can get all the clips in place.
If you get a warm day, park the car so that side faces the sun. If the weather is not warm, put the piece on the car’s passenger floorboard with the heater aimed toward the floor at full maximum setting with the windows closed.