A.C. Vent Removal

[Sonic Attack]

Dealer quoted 6hrs labor to R&R the dash to replace my outboard a.c. outlets.
Pass.
Has anyone engineered a workaround to replace the outlets without tearing out the whole dash? (I want to replace my silver trimmed outlets with black trimmed versions)
Forum member d'oreo has a nice section on DIY dash R&R, but there's no mention of how to remove just the outboard a.c. outlets.
Bueller?
Bueller?
Bueller?

 

[carsNskis]

Mask and paint?

 

[Papasonic]

Sounds as if your dealer wanted no part of this procedure. That's a ridiculous amount of time estimated.

 

[RMinNJ]

The outlets don't just pop/pull out? Did you see if you can see underneath what is there?

Maybe go to the part counter and see if they have a diagram of the dash to see how they connect?

 

[carsNskis]

Based on this gauge install it looks like it pops out. http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18954

 

[Sonic Attack]

Thanks CnS!
That's the most informative link yet on how to remove those vents.
Basically, its a "If it don't go, force it" scenario.
I'd prefer to use the OEM black vents and don't mind mangling the OEM silver vents as long as I don't destroy anything else in the process.