high mounted stop lamp tailgate upper trim removal?

[MerlintheMad]

http://www.kstinger.com/high_mounted_stop_lamp-798.html I found this revealing instruction page. Apparently three mounting screws have to be removed to get the high mounted stop light assembly off (to get the danged dead bugs out of it, heh!?). But, I cannot see how to get that "tailgate upper trim" piece off. I used a pry tool and got the upper edges loose, but after hearing a disturbing "snap" when I started to pull down on it further I desisted and snapped it back into place.

Does anyone know how to remove that cover? (tailgate upper trim) I tried to find it on the Stinger service manual website but there is nothing showing the piece, much less how to remove it. I have the full service manual PDF, but it goes nowhere near showing how: it simply deepens the mystery.

 

[cjbigcog]

Here you go:

http://www.kstinger.com/tail_gate_trim-727.html

 

[MerlintheMad]

I get it now: those hidden clips have to be popped with a dedicated removal tool: a long, thin one. And, "replace any damaged clips." Heh! That's not going to happen. I guess when I am sick and tired of my growing bug "collection" I'll take it to the service center and have the stop lamp cleaned out; and they can replace any damaged clips.

 

[SoCalSHO]

FYI, I just removed my light to clean the water stain from the window tint. I just pulled straight back, slowly, until the clips popped out. Unscrewed the HMSL and cleaned the residue. Easy peasy.