Ok guys, I know how to remove the interior panels. So this isn't a how do I remove this panel question. What I'm trying to find out is how I can remove them without getting the stress marks where the clips are. My 2005 had the grey interior and when I took off the panels I ended up getting stress marks. My new 2008 has a black interior and I don't want to get the stress marks on it because I think it will be more obvious then the grey interior. Anyone have any good reliable tips for removing the interior panels without getting the stress marks?

thanks in advance.
justin

 

Which panels?!? I have never had stress marks on any Ford panel. Make sure all screws are out first... [Should be 9 (front door) and 5 (elsewhere), Two in the handle, two underneath, 1 in the armrest and 4 at the spk.]

 

rear back wall panel on a regular cab, c pillars on a regular cab, and the top of the rear 1/4 door panels on a regular cab. no problems with the front doors. also had a problem with the passanger side kick panel.

 

I have never had that issue, either. That rear panel may be too thin. I have removed just about every panel in my truck without any stress marks.

You can possibly repaint your back panel to get rid of the stress marks.

 

i dont know what was wrong with my 2005 then... those panels were on there soo damn tight that there was no real way to avoid it.

 

same thing i am wondering how do i get panels off a 2001

 

Same question for my 2000 150. back panels where the seat belt shoulder strap is bolted to the frame. Is there a tool?

 

A Torx T-45. It will back the bolt out then the panel should just pop off.

 

you all dug this one up from the depths didnt you?

anyways... had the same thing happen in my new 2008.... discoloration at the clip points.

 

Did you use your hands to pull it apart or did you use a panel popper?

I've got a partuclar panel popper that a round clip will slide into (like a claw on a hammer) that you can slide it, pry against the metal part of the door, and pop the clip out. Of course, ive never pulled the panel off a new F150, so I may just be talking out my ***.

 

You can use a heat gun on a medium setting (or hair dyer set on high) & pointed about 4-5" away from the "stress mark" to heat up the area for 30-45secs. Remove heat source & Then just rub it w/ your thumb in a circular fashion to remove the mark.
Note if you hold a heat gun too close or too long it will cause the area to be glossier than other areas. Works on any Ford interior color.
If it's a real light stress mark rubbing it real hard (to create friction heat) will also work but it takes a bit of time.