Rear window trim
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Rear window trim
Hi, I want to remove the trim from around the rear window of my 1980 Corvette to repaint it. Is there any trick to it to avoid kinking, bending, or scratching it during the removal and re-installation proccess? I look at it and have no idea even how to begin removing it. Thanks for the help, see ya!
Scott
Scott
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,633
Likes: 3,100
From: Shamong, NJ
Do you have a molding removal tool and an assembly manual? If not, you might want to buy them first, as they will both help make the job go smoother.
There are 21 plastic clips, that hold the molding on. With the AIM, you can locate the clips, so that you know where to work with the removal tool.
It's been a few years since I pulled a rear window molding, but if I remember correctly, I just worked my way around the window, with the molding tool. Be prepared to order a new set of the molding clips, as chances are good that you will break a couple (or more) of the clips.
There are 21 plastic clips, that hold the molding on. With the AIM, you can locate the clips, so that you know where to work with the removal tool.
It's been a few years since I pulled a rear window molding, but if I remember correctly, I just worked my way around the window, with the molding tool. Be prepared to order a new set of the molding clips, as chances are good that you will break a couple (or more) of the clips.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Scott-
One thing we see all the time in the shop.. moldings damaged from previous owners or customers that remove them in the wrong fashion. The tool for releasing the clip is posted below in a picture and you can purchase them anywhere.. But it is designed to be used as a rocker. In other words, you hook the clip and rock it open. Where people go wrong is they twist the handle and when you do this the pointed end will dent the molding.
It's really not a hard job to do if you take your time.
When you paint the moldings be sure to use an acid etching primer first! They will stay painted a very long time of you do so.
The second picture shows you how the plastic clips install if you need to replace them and also shows you an approximate location of each clip....
One thing we see all the time in the shop.. moldings damaged from previous owners or customers that remove them in the wrong fashion. The tool for releasing the clip is posted below in a picture and you can purchase them anywhere.. But it is designed to be used as a rocker. In other words, you hook the clip and rock it open. Where people go wrong is they twist the handle and when you do this the pointed end will dent the molding.
It's really not a hard job to do if you take your time.
When you paint the moldings be sure to use an acid etching primer first! They will stay painted a very long time of you do so.
The second picture shows you how the plastic clips install if you need to replace them and also shows you an approximate location of each clip....
