Chrome trim removal?

[Cool Wheels]

Is there a way to take off the trim that goes around the windshield/rear window, drip edge above the door, top of door, etc.

I'm wanting to paint underneath but don't want to ruin these parts which are almost impossible (anything is possible for $$$) to find these days.

 

[dmoody]

Yes there is a special tool that slides underneath the trim and releases those clips. I'm not sure where I got mine but I do recommend it. I actually busted my front windshield ($300) using a screwdriver to remove the trim. I felt like the biggest idiot after that not including how long it took me to save the money so I could fix it.

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[Dano78]

Here is the tool. It's made by KD Tools p/n 2038. Works great for just about all exterior trim on all older Fords, Chevs, and Mopars. Only costs maybe $10 new over the counter at any tool or auto parts store that carries KD. I picked up two at a swap meet from a discount tool vendor for a buck each. Best and basically only trim tool I ever use! A must have.

 

[Cool Wheels]

what the f....??? I hope that comes with instructions.

I got the piece above my windshield off with a little jiggle wiggle. Some of the clips appear worn and don't fit snug on the rivets so I'm going to have to figure how to reattach the piece. Maybe a little of that 2 sided tape.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Dano78]

Awwwwww it ain't so hard. Now put the doubblesided tape BACK!!! - That stuff is for rookies!

You can actually buy those clips brand new from just about any autobody parts/supplies stores. Or.... you can do as i do cause I'm a cheap bastid... with a pair of needle nose pliers, pinch the inner parts together a bit to make them snap onto the rivets tighter.

The tool works very simple... you just need to develop the 'touch' it takes to make the clips release the trim. I practiced at local wrecking yards.... of course these days... those cars and alike are long gone.
The tool just grabs the clip on its edge as you slide it along under the trim. Rock the tool with your wrist in a wrenching motion to move the clip away from the body (the clip presses against the body with the trim sandwiched between and locked in by a lip and corresponding tab on the clip) You may need to press down a bit on the trim or even assist it going upward (be careful goine up cause too much pressure and the trim will buckle!) and viola! you've loosened it! Tip- start at the ends and work inward toward the center. And above all be gentle!

 

[Cool Wheels]

Cool. How about the piece on top of the door? It seems different or is it same thing?

 

[Dano78]

That one is held in by a few phillips screws (look into window jamb to see them) and one clip with a stud at the very rear of the moulding. You can see the nut at the very rear of the door edge.

Depending on if the factory (or someone else) has left out the hard to get to screws, you'll have to open up the inside of the door and unbolt the glass from its run and let it drop to the bottom of the door. Looks and sounds uglier that it really is. But you might be lucky and have (i think its 1 or 2 of the screws) them already removed and you'd just need to roll the window all teh way down to get at the other screws. Again, the screws are located in the window jamb area under the rubber flap that touches the window. They should be phillips heads.