To grille or not to grille

mds141 · Post by **mds141** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 1:59 pm

What is the purpose of the grille on the rear quarter panels? ventilation! The foam inserts on mine have virtually disintegrated is it a hassle to replace it and if i leave it what are the consequences?

JayW · Post by **JayW** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:11 pm

Cossequences = NIL... most of them have decintegrated by now, just don't aim the jetwash into them.

Access = Remove the rear plastic qtr panels (inside) and the internal "vent" is simply held in place by (IIRC) 2 10mm nuts. Although the foam can just be pulled out the top.

I *think* the foam is only there to reduce the chance of water ingress anyway.

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 4:04 pm

The 'Vent' is a body exhaust, its is a fundamental requirement of the heater/blower box so that you don't get deep drumming caused by buffeted air hitting the front of the car, coming in through the blower and having no where to go.

All cars have them some where. Modern cars have them exiting onto the rear wheel. Here the foam (and usually a one way flap) is required to stop moisture, dirt, dust, road noise and temperature entering the car.

On the BX the foam is mostly for reducing road noise entry and as JayW says to reduce water ingress. That said the position of the exaust intake being in the boot, the road noise difference will be minimal.

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 8:07 pm

On a connected subject, is there a technique to removing the inner C pillar trim

IIRC there are 2 or 3 small pozi screws to take out, and then you have to slide the now 20 year brittle plastic off the trim clip.

This is the point where I am normally left with 2 bits of broken plastic in my hands

Mike P

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:42 pm

Mike P wrote: This is the point where I am normally left with 2 bits of broken plastic in my hands

Me too, i've managed to get one off and back on once successfully, slammed the boot shut, had left a screw driver on the shelfy bit and snapped the tip off the trip some how. VERY annoying. Its still like that now!

JayW · Post by **JayW** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 10:01 pm

Mike P wrote:On a connected subject, is there a technique to removing the inner C pillar trim

Yes! It's really rather easy...

Find a magic lamp, rub it and ask the kind Genie to magic them off for you!

Oh hang on, did i say easy? Oooops, i meant no.....

kiwi · Post by **kiwi** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 12:22 am

My soloution is

Dont Touch it Unless you Really Really Really have to.

Post by **docchevron** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:37 am

It must be just me thats never had a problem then?

rayfenwick · Post by **rayfenwick** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 9:11 pm

A hairdryer to warm the plastic would help, as would doing it when the car's nice and hot after being in the sun. A cold day definitely won't help.

(I have broken corners on mine.....)