How to remove SC body fairing and 96/97 side bulge

[GRWeldon]

I need to paint a couple of birds. The 96 and 97 have the round door bottom as you know. I have seen little plastic protrusions on the inside of the door that I assume are what is holding the door bulge on.

It looks to me that of you pry these bulges off the attachment tabs will probably break off and leave holes in the door and bulges that won't ever reattach.

Not sure either about the SC body fairings. Can they come off and still be reattached. I just don't want to find out the hard way and have irreplaceable broken pieces.

Thanks all...

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I had to replace one panel, forward of the right rear wheel. I found that if you work very carefully and gradually, you can squeeze the little teeth from the outside with a very thin tool, e.g., an old credit card with a cutout.
I was able to reuse my tabs, though they may not have been as tight anymore.

If you want to be an overachiever, you remove the interior trim and squeeze from inside.

 

[Zep5.0]

Many have reused SC side skirting so it is possible.

 

[dDUBb]

The SC has brackets riveted to the sides of the car and fenders. You'll need to remove the front section first by unscrewing all of the plastic screws / push pins along the under side of the car and one screw on the fender. Then you can lift it up off the brackets starting at the fender then along the door ( with door open .. it gets tight where the door and fender meet ). Helps to pull the bottom part while lifting up. The rear pieces have an additional screw held to the body that is hidden under the front pieces. Otherwise same method, lifting up and off the brackets. Doors have one nut on each side and the panel itself uses plastic clips that mount to pegs welded to the door. The panel should come off while the clips remain on the door so be careful with these. Taking off the door pieces first might help removing the forward section of the body kit.