[NakedSci]

I have a 1992 214Si that I am beginning to refurb.

Can someone please tell me how to remove / detach the rubbing strips from the sides without breaking them?

[Plodder]

Just done this on my car .
The best way is to remove the door card and the membrane .
The rubbing strip can then be removed by removing the single screw and compressing the other plastic clips with a socket.
I think if you pull the rubbing strip from the outside you may break the rubbing strip where the clips fit into it.
The clips can be removed from the rubbing strip by rotating them. See picture below
Someone might know a easier trick to remove it but the last thing you want to do is break the rubbing strip
Hope this helps.

[SteveB]

Spot on. I know it's a bit of a faff removing the door trim, and (from memory) a bit of a faff removing the trim panel beside the rear seat, but it's well worth the time and effort to avoid damaging the strips. Anyway, while the trim panels are off it's an ideal time to do some rustproofing!

[Plodder]

Yes rustproofing is my final job. I have replaced the electric window mechanism , the door handle and the rubbing strip plus a new membrane . The door handle and rubbing strip were better condition than the ones on it ( look like new ) although there is a difference in the shade of both items. Hence the debate about the same colour code that covers flame red and flame red 89

[NakedSci]

Thank you; that was my fear: that I'd end up breaking the strips by trying to prise them free.

How do the sections either side of the door attach, and how should I best go about removing those?

[Plodder]

As yours is a three door I’m not familiar with the arrangement on the rear quarter panel .

On the 400 and 200 5 door there is a little piece of trim on the edge of the wheel arch.

I did replace this many years ago. If my memory is right there is a plastic insert in the bodywork and the trim piece has a plastic pin on it The pin then pushes into the mating plastic insert. I remember just pulling this one out and replacing the plastic insert in the bodywork . But the three door will probably be different as the trim covers the whole of the rear quarter panel.
The front wings probably require the removal of the wheel arch liner to remove the clips as previously mentioned.
Sorry don’t have any other helpful pictures for you and it looks like Rimmers have now removed their helpful diagrams showing the parts that are used in the different assemblies such as these.

[NakedSci]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[SteveB]

The short piece on the front wing - exactly as Plodder says – unfasten the wheel arch liner to gain access. While you’re in there, it makes sense (if you don’t already do it) to clean out the silt and debris that collects inside the bottom of the wing.

As for the rear quarter panel, it’s a lot of years since I had a three door but, from what I remember, start by removing the rear seats. Not as big a job as it sounds, only a handful of bolts. I think there’s a couple of screws fastening the quarter panel to the rear trim panel – remove those then ease the door rubber away from the front edge of the panel. It might be easier to remove the sill tread plate. Then I think the panel just unclips.

It might sound like a lot of work but it’s worth it because you can safely remove the outer trim strip and it gives good access to the inner wheel arch and top of the sill. Like I say, it’s many years since I had a three door so it would be worth looking at the workshop manuals in the download section – maybe the “Seats and Seat belts” and the “Interior trim” sections.