How to remove black plastic plugs?

I have a '95 Lebaron convertible.

Want to remove the center console, but there are two black plastic
somethingorothers on the left side, in the carpet, with smooth
slightly domed tops, and I can't seem to pry them out. Two different
size heads.

In the trunk, I want to open the left side of the box that separates
the trunk from the convertible top, but again, two black plastic
things like above.

I think they may be Christmas tree plugs, but they don't come out as
easily as those usually do.

Am I expected to break them and buy new ones, because I can, but even
that would take more force than I usually expend? And I can imagine
having a hard time getting new ones that hold tight enough and have
heads big enough to cover the unbleached carpet.

Is there some trick?


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Grasp head with pliers, turn approximately 90 degrees and pull/pry HARD.
You're not prying hard enough. Sometimes they break and you have to
get new ones, but usually they can be reused at least once.

 

In rec.autos.makers.chrysler on Sat, 13 Aug 2005 15:15:42 -0400

OK. If I need a new car after this, you're going to have to pay part.

I guess with GM door panels, I had better leverage, so I didn't
realize how tough these are.



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Dan's technique will work, but there is a gadget that I find is
easier: it's sort of like a *really* wide-blade (think 1 1/2")
screwdriver with a slot up the middle. They're cheap at AutoZone; I
think they call them something like "auto trim removal tool".

I have a nearby NAPA store that has very nearly exact duplicates for
just about every trim plug I've ever seen.

 

In rec.autos.makers.chrysler on 13 Aug 2005 19:39:40 -0600 Joe

I forgot about those, or hadn't figured out what exactly they were
for!

OK, thanks a lot.




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In rec.autos.makers.chrysler on 13 Aug 2005 19:39:40 -0600 Joe

BTW, the fiber-board at the corner was already bent by the previous
guy, probably the previous alarm installer, using his hands to pull
the fiberboard out. But it doesn't look bad and it's only the trunk.

The alarm was also the reason I had to open it up, to run the wire for
the trunk release.

OK, I got one yesterday. 7 dollars at Pep-Boys. It worked great!

Pep-Boys has a two-month return limit now. I don't recall any parts
store ever having a real limit before, and I know that Advance has
twice taken things back that I've had for more than 2 years, and Salvo
once for something that I'd had a year. The stuff was in the original
condition, and they didn't bat an eye about the date. Although one or
two joked about it, so they noticed it.

I don't like this two-month rule, but I knew I would use the tool
within a day or two.

It was much bigger than I thought it would be, but esp. on the
console, it worked great. I should have bought one 40 years ago. I
would have had it all this time.

Good to know. They don't look to bad this time, but I haven't put
anything back yet.

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