EF Civic - How to Remove the Dash Vents 88-91 Civic

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Vent louvers are the adjustable slats that allow you to direct the airflow from the vents.
Vent housings are the frames that the vent louvers are mounted inside.

On each of the dash vents, there are metal clips on each side of the vent housing that hold the vents in the dash. The clips are located towards the bottom edge of the vents where the vent-housings are rounded over.
This is the best place to pry with the flathead screwdriver, and reduces the risk that you will break the housings. So, using one (or preferably 2 screwdrivers), insert them under the vent-housings on the side, and gently pry the housings toward you. Once the bottom pops out, you should be able pull it by hand the rest of the way.
If this method doesn't work for you, or you're afraid you're going to break the housings, you can use a coat-hanger to remove them. All you have to do is straighten a coat-hanger out, and cut into 2 pieces. Then bend a hook in one end of each piece. You should be able to insert the hooked ends of the wires through the louvers in the dash vents. Then twist the wires so that the hooks are latched behind the vent housings.
Then, just pull gently toward you until the vent pops out.

The vent housings are attached to the vent louvers by several plastic clips on the top, bottom, and both sides. If you look at these clips, you will notice that each clip has been melted together, and do not just pop off. Therefore, it is necessary to cut through the clips using a Dremel tool.
On the center vent assembly, you'll notice that on the bottom, the seam between the vent housing and louvers is covered with a foam tape. This tape covers several more plastic tabs, so you have to remove the foam tape to get at the other ones. I never replaced the tape, and haven't had any problems.
After all the plastic welds are cut through, the louvers and housings should easily pull apart.
The housings and louvers can later be glued back together with a decent epoxy or liquid nails.

These instructions are for the 88-91 Civic Si Hatchback. Other models may slightly differ but should still be very simular.