To remove the sliding brackets that hold the battery down, I removed the trim screw at the lower right of the rear quarter trim. This allowed just enough extra movement for me to remove the brackets. However, when pulling on the panel, the bottom popped free from whatever retaining mechanism was holding it in place, and the entire panel moved downwards about 1/4 inch. The problem is I can't seem to move the trim panel back to its original position. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

So I ended up just removing the panel. Not hard once you figure out what's going on. Just be careful when removing the plastic fir clip near the front of the panel. If it breaks, you'll be hating life since it's captive...not replaceable unless you peel back some leather to access it. I'm not sure how that would go. Re-installing the panel appears to be straight-forward. I assume you can just slide it into place vertically in an upward motion, then secure it by pushing in the fir cilp and tightening the trim screw.

Without the panel in place, the battery retaining sliders can be removed with zero effort. Given the potential for collateral damage, I'm not sure I'd recommend it though.

 

Glad you got this sorted out.


Before I attempt anything that I am not totally familiar with on my Vantage I search this forum and if necessary just ask whether anyone can help with the unknowns. There is no need to go through the pain when others have done so and documented it. (smile)
As you have found out the major issue with the Vantage battery replacement is the battery sliding clamps.

The general consensus (which I agree with) is to slightly remove some of the fiber board that the side upholstery is attached to and which stops the clamps from being removed. This allows the clamps to slide off thus facilitating removal of the battery.

Just FYI, I have PM you my website link (I have been told that links are not allowed on this forum)

The link contains almost 60 photographs detaining my battery replacement and how I removed some of the fiber board. In addition I cut ½ inch from both sliding clamps so battery replacement in the future would be straightforward.

Good luck with your future projects.