Need help with 81 rear window trim

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Jul 12, 2006 | 08:18 PM

2spacedout

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8th Gear

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From: South Florida

Need help with 81 rear window trim

I just inherited an 1981 and the piece of black metal trim that goes around the rear window is chipped in several places and it looks pretty rough. Any recommendations on how to go about fixing it?

Jul 12, 2006 | 08:38 PM

1982CorvetteDude

Melting Slicks

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From: Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2spacedout

I just inherited an 1981 and the piece of black metal trim that goes around the rear window is chipped in several places and it looks pretty rough. Any recommendations on how to go about fixing it?

It's stainless steel...you can send it to a place and have it repaired if it's real bad.

On mine I just sanded out the bad spots, applied some spot putty, a little layer of primer, wetsand and painted it back black.

Jul 12, 2006 | 09:27 PM

2spacedout

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8th Gear

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From: South Florida

Thanks. One other thing... did you remove the piece, or sand/fill/paint in place?

Jul 12, 2006 | 09:34 PM

1982CorvetteDude

Melting Slicks

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From: Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2spacedout

Thanks. One other thing... did you remove the piece, or sand/fill/paint in place?

I took it off, it's so much easier to mess with that way. Just use the proper tool to take it remove it.

make sure you get the duplicolor "trim" paint in the can to spray on it. And use a high build primer, you can get both of these at any auto parts store.

If the old paint is chipping badly use a paint stripper on it first, if it's a few spots just feather and primer it.

Jul 12, 2006 | 10:44 PM

2spacedout

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8th Gear

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From: South Florida

I'll do that, thanks again for the excellent advice.

Jul 13, 2006 | 07:42 AM

C3 RV

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From: Michigan

St. Jude Donor '15

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1982CorvetteDude

I took it off, it's so much easier to mess with that way. Just use the proper tool to take it remove it.

What is the proper tool? My trim looks OK, but is loose in places and holds lots of water under it that dribbles out and leaves water spots on nearby paint. I'd like to remedy these problems over the winter.

Jul 13, 2006 | 07:46 AM

1982CorvetteDude

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by C3 RV

It's a generic "GM window clip removal tool", it's stamped steel with a handle and a long triangular shaped flat end to it. it's ;ess than $10

You insert it under the moulding and tilt it sideways and it'll release the clip so the trim pops right off.

Never use a screwdriver to try and get the trim off, you can break the clips.

You may already have broken clips...do a search i posted a "how to" on replacing the broken clips in another thread.

Good luck