Headliner - need help/advice...

[k8228k]

I have a 94 Ranger regular cab that needs to have the headliner fabric replaced. Today I attempted to begin removal and of course right away encountered a problem. What I thought was a simple cap covering a screw turns out to be some sort of clip. It’s on the trim piece that covers the A pillar and extends over the door and joins the trim extending from the rear window and around the seat belt anchor. This clip is what holds the two together and attaches them to the body. Does anyone know how to remove this pesky item without breaking it like I did? There are two on each side so I’ve got three more to go. Maybe I'm going about it the wrong way. Is there a better way to remove the headliner? I need to get it out to get it re-covered.
Any advice or instruction would be much appreciated. Thanks...

 

[RobbieD]

I recovered the headliner in my '94, and if I remember correctly it's just a friction pin fastener. The right tool is a "panel popper"; sort of like fork, but with a single slot. The best version for this one has a "V" shaped slot, so that you can slide it under the fastener head and get some grip on fastener shaft. Check around a fully-stocked auto parts store; I've noticed that the ones by me are starting to carry those kinds of fasteners. If it's cold where you are, try heating the fastener with a hair dryer; makes them a little more flexible. Good luck, and welcome to TRS.