installing driver side kick panel

[82c10gcl]

I've had this question in another thread (attaching lower door panel carpet) but thought I would start a new one specifically for it. I've had some good info provided but i'm still having an issue. I struggled with getting the existing half kick panel out for many hours with no luck and finally gave up and brought a set of tin snips to the party. The half panel is now out and the new full panel is ready to go in. I just had it dyed so I don't want to bash it up trying to fit it in so I thought I would see if anybody has put one of these in lately (it's a non air-conditioned truck so the panel has a full oval top on it) and if so, is there any trick or hint you can give me to help. I heard from TKCR that he has been able to fit them in without taking the brake bracket off (which is good) but from taking the other one out I just don't see how it fits with that bracket in place. Is there a plan of attack I should follow? The panel for the air conditioned truck may be an easier fit as it doesn't have the full oval at the top (as far as I know) but this is what I need to have. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've attached a picture of the original half panel as well as the new full panel.

Just as an aside, the original piece is sure a lot more substantial than the new one. With the minimal price of the plastic involved and the price they charge for these things, you would think someone would take the initiative to produce a replacement piece that is the equivalent of what its replacing.

[truckin 79]

I am not positive but it should be fairly similar for all GM vehicles. If you look under brake booster there are two nuts that hold pedal assembly to the floor and on the inside there is one bolt holding from the side. If you remove the 3 bolts you should be able to push the assembly out of the way enough to slid the driver panel back into place.

[JJH Jimmy]

The plastic kick panels are a tight fit into the hole for the vent. They need to be moved up and down and left an right to get them exactly in the center to get them removed. You can tell when they are in the right position when you are pulling on them and slightly moving them in all directions and you will feel them drop into the center and that is the time to give them a pull and they will pop right out.

The new ones will be way easier to put in then the old ones were to come out. They will fit without removing the parking brake bracket.

[TKCR]

Well now that I have seen the pictures, I didn’t know it had all that. I only have the kickpanel that looks like that on the passenger side. I assumed your drivers side was flat like mine. My bad!

[82c10gcl]

Thanks guys. I'll try it without taking off the brake and hope for the best. I'll let you know how I make out. If iI did need to take off the brake, would I need to de-tension it first and then adjust it afterwards?

[truckin 79]

Well I am just going by how I did this in the 79 Trans Am. I took those 3 bolts off and then I was able to swing the e brake to the side without having to totally remove the entire unit or disconnect the cable.

[82c10gcl]

thanks trucking 79. I spent 1/2 hr yesterday trying to figure out how to get it in place without damaging it and I can't figure out a plan of attack that's going to get me there so I'll give this a shot as soon as I get some new gaskets for it.

Glenn

[65chevysub]

On my 84 Sierra with A/C, I tried to get the right one off to repaint it, but I cant get it off. I removed all the screws, but the vacuum opener hose/tube doesn't want to come off and I don't want to break anything, so will paint it on the truck.

[82c10gcl]

sounds like a good plan.