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Removing rear boot panel

Started by dom767, December 30, 2017, 04:38:11 PM

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December 30, 2017, 04:38:11 PM
Hi all,

I'm hoping someone can help. Someone has driven into the back of my SMAX at relatively low speed and left a big bump in the plastic panel above the main bumper. (The panel with the numberplate holder in it)

I'd like to pop the panel out so I can straighten it, but I can't quite work out how it's connected. I removed the six screws from the left and right hand sides of the boot, and the 5 screws on the bottom so that the panel should now be disconnected, but it's still connected somewhere.

I've then taken off the internal trim on the boot to see if there's an easy way to disconnect the panel, but no joy. I can tell that the main steel elements haven't been damaged by the collision, but I still can't work out how to remove the exterior panel. Any ideas what's holding it on?

Thanks,
Dom
December 30, 2017, 04:59:42 PM #1
Hi! Welcome to our forum :)

Sorry to hear of the accident. You have already found all the screws but it doesn't sound like you have removed the lights? They need to be removed so you can get to the clips that hold the panel in place and lift 'em up and out. Take a look at these two photos which show the back of the panel, see where the 3 clips are at the top? Now have a look from the other side with the lights out and you'll see where they are clipped in.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]
December 30, 2017, 05:10:39 PM #2
Ahh yes, that'll explain it. I'll have a go at removing them tomorrow and report back. Thankyou for the quick reply!
January 01, 2018, 02:29:04 AM #3
Little update. After taking the lights out I managed to get the panel off with a bit of leverage and brute force. I popped out the worst of the dent although there's still a bit of a crease. Any easy ways to get that out?

Thanks for your help getting the panel off. :)

Dom
January 01, 2018, 09:27:22 AM #4
In a nutshell, No.
Some dents can be eased back by a DIYer but creases need specialist skills and tools. Have a word with a local PDR company as they'll be best placed or maybe look for a replacement panel?
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January 01, 2018, 10:10:50 PM #5
A lot of PDRââ,¬â,,¢s will struggle on plastics, as it bends well with paint one way, bend it back out and it spider-cracks.

Hair dryer and a bit pushing will ââ,¬Ëœeaseââ,¬â,,¢ it back, but when plastic distorts out of place for an amount of time, it tends to not want to go back.
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