When I have removed the panels required, I have found it easier to start with the top rear panels that wrap from the back of window behind the door to under the hatch first. I then take of the door sill trim between the seat and door on the floor. Then I have worked top down from the rear. One of the panels is bolted, so be aware you cannot pry off with a trim tool.
Thanks. Was able to remove it today. Sent it to get powder coated so that I can remove all chrome from inside the vehicle.
To get to the aluminum cross bar there are no panels that are screwed/bolted down. Start by removing the panel that is between the roof and the back hatch that wraps around. Next, remove the small trim pieces at each end of the aluminum bar. They are a full 360 degree piece so just pull them out and leave them around the bar. The next piece is the one that the seatbelt goes through. Be careful with this piece because there is a thin section that is fragile as it is slit for the seatbelt. After that the bolts for the bar are exposed. This is a T50 torx. That is it. One on each side. Angle it out and remove.
Panel 4 in Tadda’s post above. Removal of that panel is not necessary for the bar removal. I just know it is necessary for sound stuff and was in the area he was working, so I went over it just in case.
