Removing interior metal panelling

[Kdebo]

Alright guys so I have the seats out all the brackets up and all the rubber flooring ripped up. I'm down to bare metal. Next I'm going to remove the metal panels underneath the windows. It looks like the panel tucks under the window. Is there a way to get this out with out removing the windows or do you take the windows out to get to it. Or do you just cut it off flush with the windows? The bus is a 2002 rear engine Thomas safety liner any advice is a appreciated

[Phatman]

I'm not sure about your particular bus,but mine I had to remove the windows to grind off the rivets. I decided to leave the panels and use 1 1/2" blue Styrofoam glued to the panels. There is an 1 1/2" piece of metal bar down towards the bottom of the panel. The Styrofoam makes it even with the metal piece.

[Kdebo]

Yeah seems like the easier way around it. But I really wanna get rid of these panels completely

[DoubleO7]

the upper edge of the panel may be riveted or spot/tack welded to more sheet metal up under the lower window sill metal. Mine are spot welded.
It would be wise to pull the windows and reinstall and seal them up with new butyl tape and/or sealant anyways.

[superdave]

in my thomas they went under the window metal. i used a cut off wheel and went along the edge of the window metal. the window metal has a lip that turns up and keeps the water out of the bus, you want to keep that. good luck

[Scooternj]

I started with swinging a hammer and cold chisel on mine, then said frak it and began using a cut off wheel as well.