Stubborn plastic xmas trees

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Rick Whitworth
Member
Posts: 73
gday
The black plastic xmas trees used to hold the corners of all OKA door and body panels in place fit so tight that it is almost impossible to remove them without breaking the panel.
Has anyone come across an alternative plug that fits right but is more easily removed
Rick
September 12, 2012 at 6:59 AM Flag Quote & Reply

Pete Fox
Member
Posts: 140
Rick
I drilled out all of the holes in mine and fitted threaded inserts ( 8 per door) and M6 screws, the same as the door pull handle.
You can buy a manual tool that requires only 2 spanners to fit these for just a few dollars.

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Peter Fox

OKA 266 Multi-cab.

Photobucket album



September 12, 2012 at 7:12 AM Flag Quote & Reply

Outback Jack
Member
Posts: 381
There is a tool for them, or you can make something yourself. Basically a flat piece of metal with two fingers if that makes sense.
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September 12, 2012 at 7:27 AM Flag Quote & Reply

chris @ shirley james
Member
Posts: 17
Hello all, 2 thin butter knives ,slip one under each side ,touching the stem,twist each knife in opposite direction to each other so as to lift the tree out of the hole. simple. Chris,#96
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September 12, 2012 at 1:44 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
I agree they can be a pain.
I use a pair of old thin scissors. I close the blades either side of the Xmas tree, squeeze until it starts to pop out a bit and then lever against a screw driver or similar to protect the panel. Sometimes they break but they are quite cheap to replace.
I was not suprised to find there is a tool for the purpose, called a "Five Way".



And a video on how to use it.
Looks like a breaker bar and simple enough to make.


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David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148

September 12, 2012 at 2:35 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Outback Jack
Member
Posts: 381
Jaycar etc sell similar kits, they are plastic. You use them for door trims, window winder clips etc etc.
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September 12, 2012 at 3:50 PM