Body side moldings
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Alta Loma CA
Body side moldings
Ok...the fever is a startin'!!! I promised the wife I would keep the Vette pretty much stock. Oh well....so much for that idea. Next week I'm installing slotted, zinc plated, rotors, exchanging my polished rims for chrome, exchanging my stock calipers for powder coated ones, and possibly having the body side moldings removed. I prefer the look of the Vette without them. It somehow seems sleeker; sexier. I know they're designed to protect the car from door dings, however, I plan to keep my baby garaged most of the time and only take her out for long drives where I don't have to be parked anywhere.
My concern....I have a 2001 Vette and although the paint still looks fairly new, I'm worried that once the moldings are gone the paint underneath will look different enough so that a faint impression of the moldings will be evident. West Coast Corvettes says they can remove the moldings, any glue residue, then buff out any imperfections so that you would never know the moldings were there. Are they right? Does anyone have any experience with this? If so, how old was your car when the moldings were removed? Thanks for any info.
My concern....I have a 2001 Vette and although the paint still looks fairly new, I'm worried that once the moldings are gone the paint underneath will look different enough so that a faint impression of the moldings will be evident. West Coast Corvettes says they can remove the moldings, any glue residue, then buff out any imperfections so that you would never know the moldings were there. Are they right? Does anyone have any experience with this? If so, how old was your car when the moldings were removed? Thanks for any info.
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This has been a debate for quite some time...BSM's or no BSM's. It depends on what YOU like. Personally, I think they look better on some colors than others.
As far as removing them, you shouldn't have much of a problem. Many have removed them by using "fishing line" and gently using a sawing action. They're attached with 3M tape which is pretty sticky but they CAN be removed with no harm. There may be a bit of residue glue left but you can remove with wax/polish. As far as the paint being faded under the BSM's that probably depends on the condition of your finish. I've heard of folks who have removed them from '98's with no problems.
You may want to also post in the Car Care section.
As far as removing them, you shouldn't have much of a problem. Many have removed them by using "fishing line" and gently using a sawing action. They're attached with 3M tape which is pretty sticky but they CAN be removed with no harm. There may be a bit of residue glue left but you can remove with wax/polish. As far as the paint being faded under the BSM's that probably depends on the condition of your finish. I've heard of folks who have removed them from '98's with no problems.
You may want to also post in the Car Care section.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: The Woodlands Texas
My Vette (MY) had 25K when I removed the BSM. There was a paint shade difference, but you cannot see it unless know exactly where to look and are shining a very bright florescent light on the area. So, I would say it is safe to do it. 
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From: Davie Florida
Originally Posted by SlideRulz
Some look good with them others look better without. It's all personal preferance.
I ran over something and it hit the drivers side door. When I got out to take a look, the object had taken a nice sized paint chip out of the BSM. So whether you like them or not they do serve a purpose.
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Sure doesn't take long to want to start modding the car. 
If your surrounding paint has not faded, you may not have any difference in color when you pull the moldings off. Only way to know is the take them off. You could just take the small front piece off and see how it looks. If its really noticable, it would be easy to put that piece back on.
If your surrounding paint has not faded, you may not have any difference in color when you pull the moldings off. Only way to know is the take them off. You could just take the small front piece off and see how it looks. If its really noticable, it would be easy to put that piece back on.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Houston TX
Originally Posted by Shylor
I removed my BSM's at 300 miles. The car came with them and so I didn't order them. I also prefer the smooth look and think the C5 looks so much better without them.
Same thing with me. Should be no problem unless the door has been re-painted.
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Took mine off my 01 with 23000miles on it. Almost my first mod. Pix of how to do it are here - http://grond.englandgreen.com/bsm/
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I had the side moldings removed on our 2000 in 2002, It is just as you were told. It can be buffed out and look as though they were never on. and our car is Black. Its our 3rd black on of 7 vettes owned. If it is done right you will have no problems. 
