Since it’s unlikely anyone will want to buy these without the tabs, maybe I’ll take a shot at some light sanding and repainting with a satin spray paint? They fit better than the Scott Carpenter replacements, which I can always send back to LMR for a refund!
I got talked into them versus the Ford OE replacements by the guy at
MR. Knew what should’ve bitten the bullet even though the OE were double the price. Just sounded too good to be true. Now I know better:-(
Even the OEM Ford door cups' tabs will break off. Go ahead, ask me how I know lol.
I think that before completely lifting them off the door panel, if you insert a long skinny flat blade you may be able to squeeze one side of the metal overlay that secures them, lessening the chance that the whole tab gets hung up on the slot that they snap into. I think that's what breaks them as well as uneven lifting force (they have to be lifted straight up).
On the other hand, if you do a bit of extra work before putting the door cups on for good, replacing whatever needs replacing (regulator, one-touch-down if applicable, and whatever else) you can send the door cup in and probably not have to worry about anything for another few years.
Or get the carbon fiber door cups that should be more rigid with the tabs themselves. Better than molded plastic anyways.