Door trim questions - can you still remove the tops?

[NickDawson]

hey folks,
Im about to order some interior trim parts (which means something major mechanical will fail, its the law of the Rover universe).

I prefer the classic look of these:
http://www.roversnorth.com/store/images/Product/medium/RNA4600.JPG
http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-14999-door-interior-trim-set-series-iia-iii-black-vinyl.aspx

And I see these more modern looking panels as an option:
http://www.roversnorth.com/store/images/Product/medium/RNA4700.JPG
http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-15048-interior-front-door-panel-set-rhlh-for-defender-90-and-series-iii.aspx

First question, I have the RN "king pin" door top fasteners on. We do like to take the door tops off from time to time. It looks like the orignal style trim wont allow easy access to the door top bolts - is that correct? If so, will the defender style trim allow access (perhaps through 2 carefully drilled holes?)

Second question, if I do go with the defender style trim, do I have to have antiburst latches? The copy on RN's site seems to suggest so... anyone have these trim panels installed?

Thanks!
-N

[Jim-ME]

I think the defender type door trim does require antiburst latches because they only fit Series 3s or Defenders. It looks like you can remove the door tops and keep the door trim in place. Look at the enlarged picture. I'm not sure about the classic type trim. Call RN and ask before you order.
Jim

[TedW]

Nick: I have the original 3-piece setup. The top part hooks into the window frame, so it will have to go if you take the door tops off. You can leave the other two pieces in place - it just looks a bit unfinished compared to having all 3 pieces in place, but will still work fine.

Ted

[TedW]

Nick:
One other thing:

The middle section of the 3-piece set (the armrest) has two vertical tabs - easily seen in the photo. However, in the photo they appear to go outside of the top piece, when in fact they fit behind it.

Just wanted to point that out.

Ted