When you set out to remove the tailgate trim, you immediately run into some sort of plastic screws. It’s not really obvious how to remove these. They are called trimp clips. If you remove them carefully you can reuse them. If not, then you can order them from VW or much cheaper from several websites.

  • Met een inbussleutel zijn de ‘interieurclips’ goed te verwijderen.

  • De clipsbestaan uit een plastic schroef die twee pootjes doet uitstaan wanneer je hem aandraait.

There are special tools designed to remove the clips, but if you don;t use too much force, you can get them out using an allen-key. Make sure that when you turn the allen-key you also pull it lightly. The first part of the clip will start spinning. When the second part of the clip starts spinning as well, you can use just a little bit of force to pull the entire clip out.

As said, it’simportant to not use to much force. The clips are made of plastic and too much force on the allen-key will damage the clips. New clips aren’t expensive but having to order them will stall your project.


When the second part of the clip starts spinning as well, you can use just a little bit of force to pull the entire clip out..

Don’t foret to remove the loop that allows you to close the tailgate. It’s attached with two crosshead screws.

  • The loop need to be removed as well.
  • Two crosshead screws.

When teh trim is fully removed, you’ll be looking at the inner workings of the tailgate. You could now, for example, place a steel wire to make it possible to open the tailgate from the inside. See this article that explains how. Very useful as a fire esacepe or to open the tailgate for a nice view, without having to leave teh van in the morning.

The tailgate with the trim removed.
  • The tailgate trim with the original VW production date stamped on it.
  • Het lock.