how to remove plastic clips?

[tedder]

The front end of the DL650 uses a lot of those little "mushroom" clips. To insert them, you just press the clip in, then press down on the middle part. That spreads the clip and holds the two pieces together- like a plastic rivet.

The question is, what's the proper way to remove these? Using a spreader on the outside of the clip? Or press the middle part back out somehow? The latter seems like a good idea, but the clips are usually not accessible from the back.

Help!

[jtf650]

Using something like a small allen wrench, you pop the center section in. Then use your fingernail or a knife blade around the outside edge to pry it off- it may just fall off without any help, but sometimes it needs a little persuasion. To install, just push the center section all the way out so it protrudes, insert it in the hole, and push the center section in until it's flush with the main body of the clip. Hard to describe, but once you've done it you'll see how easy and straightforward it is.

[tedder]

I see what you're saying, because I have already removed a couple of the clips. But you're saying to push the center section in *further*?

-ted

[jtf650]

How did you get the clips off? Anyway, that's right- when the clip is installed, the center section should be flush. To remove it, you push that center section in further. It "pops" and you'll know when it's in far enough. Once it's out, you prepare to install it by pushing the center section all the way out until it protrudes maybe 1/4" above the main body. Clear as mud, right? The center section, or core, only expands and locks when it's flush with the main body. If it's in or out, it allows the interior sides or ears to collapse and permits removal or installation.

[tedder]

I got the first two clips off by reaching behind it with a pair of pliers, and popping the stem outward.

But yeah- now that you say that, I went down and popped about 20 of them inward- that's definitely the right way to do it, thanks.

-ted

[scooter]

When you remove these clips always pop the center section up above the outer part. Center should protrude above outer flange. This will keep the clip together, if you do not do this the center section is easily lost. Buy more of these clips to have on hand when you loose one. They easily fall between the fairing and the inner cover, when this happens you have to take off even more clips.

Scooter

[tedder]

How many clip sizes are there? At least 2 or 3..

-ted

[scooter]

There are two sizes of clips. The smaller ones which are the most common are easily lost. They have about a 3/8 flange. Larger ones have a 1/2 flange.

Scooter