1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

Does anyone have a trick for removing the chrome strips on a 40 Ford Deluxe glove compartment lid without breaking the tabs?

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

Nope. I will wish you the best of luck though.
If you are able, cut the clips with a small (read: tiny) cut off wheel vs. attempting to pry them off. Prying is not your friend.

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

You might be able to gently squeeze the ends of the clip together thus opening the center locking portion (hole) which will enable clip removal without stressing the tabs. This has worked for me.

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

Sometimes you can unscrew that type of clip.

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

That is true. In this case, don't attempt that method. Wanna guess how I know?

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

As Kube mentions, twisting is not a good idea.

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

Take a very thin small screwdriver and grind a very sharp, thin point on it. Slide the point under the little clip tangs holding the chrome strip and gently lift up each side of the clip a little at a time.

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

I've used this method and it worked well. In fact, bend the tangs on the clips more than needed to help them turn loose. Use new clips when you're ready to reassemble.

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

magarrett: I also was able to reuse the original clips after I "squished" them down so the prongs griped the chrome strip stud. They pressed right on.

Re: 1940 Ford glove compartment lid
 

Yep, sometimes you can get away with using the clips again if the tangs don't fatique and break off after prying on them.