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Sill and rocker panel clips: replacing loose side mouldings

4 min read · Jobs by area of the car

Side skirts and sill mouldings sit low and take hits from kerbs, gutters and stones. When their clips break, the moulding drops, flaps or leaves a gap.

How sill clips work

Many sill clips mount on the body (in a hole or on a stud) and the moulding slides or snaps over them. Others push through the moulding into the body. Knowing which style you have tells you how to remove the moulding.

Removing the moulding

1. Check the ends for screws.
2. Look at how the moulding moves: some lift up, some slide forwards or backwards.
3. Release gently along its length so the clip tabs do not snap.
4. Note the position and type of each clip.

Replacing the clips

Fit the new clips to the body or moulding the same way the old ones sat. Line the moulding up from one end and press it over each clip in turn. Our sill, rocker panel and body clips range has Holden, BMW, Toyota, Isuzu and other clips. For Toyota wheel arch flares, see Toyota body flare clips.

Damaged moulding?

If the clip slots in the moulding are broken, new clips will not hold well. The moulding may need repair or replacement.

Why side mouldings come loose

Sill mouldings and side skirts sit closest to the road. Stones, water, mud, kerbs and car park wheel stops all hit them. Water can also sit behind the moulding, and on metal clips that leads to rust. Most loose side skirts come down to one or two broken or missing clips, with the rest then working loose over time.

Before you start

• Wash the area first so you can see the clips and the holes clearly.
• Have a plastic trim tool and a torch ready.
• Have a few more clips than you think you need. Several may break as the moulding comes off.
• Take photos of each clip position before removal.

Common mistakes

• Refitting the moulding with only half of the clips, so it drops again.
• Forcing a moulding upwards when it was made to slide sideways.
• Mixing clip types along the length, so some points hold and others do not.
• Leaving out a seal or foam pad that was behind the old clip.

Door rod clips

The same category also holds the small clips that connect door lock and handle rods. If a door handle or lock button stops working after a panel has been off, a rod clip may have dropped off. See our door trim panel guide for working inside the door.

Checking the body before refitting

Sill mouldings sit low on the car and collect water, dirt and road salt. When the moulding is off, clean along the sill, check the clip holes for rust and treat any bare metal before fitting new clips. A clip in a rusted hole will not hold for long.

Tips for a straight finish

1. Fit all new clips to the body (or moulding) before offering it up.
2. Line the moulding up at one end first.
3. Press it on clip by clip along its length, not in one go.
4. Sight along the sill from the front of the car to check it is straight.

Sill, rocker and door rod clips in our range

These are the sill, rocker panel and door rod clips in our range, with the sizes marked on each product photo.

Sizes are approximate, read from the measurement marks on our product photos. Always compare with your original part.

Frequently asked questions

Can I glue a loose side skirt?

It is better to replace the clips. Glue or tape makes the next repair harder and can trap water.

Sizes and fitting steps in our guides are general. Check your vehicle's manual for anything specific to your car. Questions? Call 0499 001004.