Running Board Pad Removal?

Best way to remove the four, plastic step pads on the rail of my '06 Tacoma PreRunner, in order to coat (Rhino) the oval tube? They're attached by multiple snap fasteners that expand on insertion. Removing an end-cap, you can see the string of fasteners, but they're too far up the tube to reach with any sort of tool I have...must be at least six/pad.

I'm concerned if I pry the pad off from above, it'll damage the pins attached to the pads and make replacment a problem. Being a closed, oval tube, the only way in is by end-cap removal. I can find fasteners, but if pins are broken off...UGH!

Thanks for any tips...the Rhino coating is awesome in the right places. I just coated both the engine pan and factory hitch assembly, which had areas of rust. This provides permanent protection from chips and rust in places that don't need smooth, hi-gloss paint...and prevents rattles in places like the hitch pin, etc.