I'm starting on the rocker panel repair of my '97 Sport.  I'm going to have to replace the entire rocker panel on both sides with box tube.

When complete I want to keep the plastic cladding covering the box tube.   Yes I know it will be harder in the end to keep the rocker panel covers but I want to do it.
There will be air gaps and problems with re-mounting but I want to try it.  Replacement rocker panels are not available.

I need to remove the panels in on the fenders in front of the doors to cut out the rust but what is the best way to remove them ?   

From pictures I've seen there are 'buttons' on the inside that the plastic 'hooks' over but they are not all positioned in the same direction so most
will probably break off but I was hoping that others have done it  and could save me some grief.