I'm ready to paint the interior surround on my SC. Is it necessary to remove the door panel or will the surround lift away once I pop the clips around the sides and top

 

Should be able to just pop the clips, I didn't have to remove the surround to get the door panel off, so you shouldn't have to remove the door panel to take the surround off.

 

You need to remove the door panel first. There are also some screws that hold the trims in place at the bottom.

Here's a pic of my new ones I replaced not too long ago. Take a look along the bottom of the trim.

 

The window trim is just pressed into place and pops off after you remove the screws. You have to be very careful while prying because they are super brittle. Your best bet is to use a very flat pry stick or like a plaster scraper and go along the edges. If it breaks you'll just be in the same boat as 9/10 SC owners lol.

 

thanks guys. i got it now.

 

Even if you're careful, it's also possible that the plastic is already cracked. The plastic is extremely brittle so welcome to the club if it crumbles after removal.