How To: Remove the rear license plate holder...

[Bis]

Just tore the inside of the door (trim) to see if I could see any snaps used to hold the black plastic housing for the license plate and plate bulb as I wanted to pull it out to modify it but I do not want to rip through the protective plastic that is after the door trim as it is keeping moisture away from the inside of the vehicle.

Can anybody give me some tips on how to remove this plastic "housing" for the plate? I don't want to pry at it for fear of breaking it.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Just found this image but its not too helpful:



Link: http://parts.nalleygmc.com/products/Che ... 84724.html

[chevymaher]

Mine was held on by 4 bolts on the inside under that plastic.Here is a pic of it being out you can see where the bolt holes are.I am sure it is similar on your year van.Once those bolts are out comes straight out the back.This pic is where I was fixing the dent my ex-wife kicked in it.Isnt love grand.And you have to take the door handle off almost forgot that.

[Phantom]

You will have to remove the plastic moisture barrier to access it , but if you go slow around the edges with a utility knife or straight edge placing it between the plastic and the metal part of door door you can remove it still in good condition , then you can put it back with some butyl rubber weatherstripping that comes on a roll , just peel it off the roll and put it on the plastic around the edges and then push it back on the door , I believe it is originally held on with the same stuff ffrom the factory , In salvage yards I have removed a lot of them ,

[Bis]

Well, tell your lady I appreciate her sure-footed romanticism and agility as it has helped me answer my question.

Thank you once again!

PS: I guess you HAVE to rip the plastic inside the door to get through to the bolts that hold the plastic housing....

[Phantom]

we posted at the same time so maybe you did not see my post

[Bis]

You will have to remove the plastic moisture barrier to access it , but if you go slow around the edges with a utility knife or straight edge placing it between the plastic and the metal part of door door you can remove it still in good condition , then you can put it back with some butyl rubber weatherstripping that comes on a roll , just peel it off the roll and put it on the plastic around the edges and then push it back on the door , I believe it is originally held on with the same stuff ffrom the factory , In salvage yards I have removed a lot of them ,

Very cool, good to know. I removed that stuff from a 2001 Hyundai (its like petroleum!) and it got on everything. Not only that but the stuff was very tough to get out (stains).
So when I saw that the Astro had the moisture barrier as well, I immediately was reminded of the last job I did on that Hyundai.

[Bis]

we posted at the same time so maybe you did not see my post

Thank you Phantom!!!

[Phantom]

You are welcome:)

[chevymaher]

No I was playing elsewhere on the net.I just used a putty knife around the edge it peels right up once you get it started.Just put it back over same place it sticks again.Half stuck to plastic and half to the door on mine.Never ripped the plastic.

[Gonzalez]

Does anyone now where to find this :plastic "housing" for the plate: replacement... online????
I would appreciate the help.