Hi all. I'm kinda new here and looking for a C5. I have a ton of questions, but I'll start with whether anyone has any experience with removing the body side mouldings. I just feel the BSMs clutter the sides and distract from an otherwise clean design (and may be a McLaren F1 rip-off too). That being said, I started my C5 search thinking I couldn't buy a car with the BSMs. But, I've found many otherwise tempting cars that are marred only by the dreaded glued-on plastic strips. So, has anyone removed the BSMs leaving no evidence of their prior existance? I am concerned that with paint wear, waxing, etc. there would be at least some indication that BSMs were once plastered to the sides of the car. Of course, I can't get to taking them off until I've already bought the cow. So, I'd be stuck with whatever shows up. Thanks, in advance.

 

It's very easy to pull off the BSM. I've heard of cars almost 5 years old, removing the BSM's and showing no signs. Just use fishing line, heat up the BSM, and use it in a saw-like motion up and down untill you get the majority of the BSM off. Once the glue is left, pull out the goo-gone, put on some gloves, heat that mess up, and start rolling! Watch out for blisters too. Once you get it all off, throw some wax on there and BAM! your done.

 

Don't let it be a deal-breaker. The BSM's are easy to remove, and you can probably sell them over in the C5 parts section.

 

They're pretty easy to remove but the clean up can be a PITA.

I spent a good 8 hours from start to finish removing the BSMs off my '03 Z (M. Yellow). I did have a faint shadow where the BSM once were, apparently MYs clear coat is where the problem lays, but after a few days in the sun it all blended quite well. You can't tell they were even on the car at this point.

The removal technique I used was real simple: 1) I sprayed some WD40 around the BSM to loosen the adhesive (sounds insane but it works well with no ill effects). 2) Tied some 40lb. test fishing line between 2 dowels (dowels cut to 4" for a good hand hold). 3) With a sawing motion slowly & carefully ease the fishing line down the length of the BSM until it pops off (again take it slowly; you can easily damage the BSM by cutting into it… Not good if you intend on selling them at some point). 4) Using WD40, Goo Gone, some McGuire’s cleaner, & lots of elbow-grease, clean the remaining adhesive from the car. I Zaino'd the car once I finished the whole removal process anyway... It just about made the initial slight shadow disappear; the sun did the rest for me

I've also heard of heat guns being used but would shy away from that... Seems like a hair dryer is the safer way to go. I didn't use either; it was warm enough outside I figured.

Anyhow, do a search here on the board & I'm sure you'll find even more info on the matter

HTH

Mark