removing "ding protector" molding from door...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
removing "ding protector" molding from door...
Sorry not sure what the proper name is for this part. On a 2001 silver vette i am looking at there is a body colored molding that spans the length of the door. Personally i think it is hideous and would like to remove it once I purchase the vehicle. This is a factory installed option and looks like it is held on by double-sided tape. Is this thing safe to remove, or has the tape discolored the paint behind the molding. Basically i am wondering if anybody has done this, how, and will the paint under the molding look like the paint on the rest of the car???
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Sorry not sure what the proper name is for this part. On a 2001 silver vette i am looking at there is a body colored molding that spans the length of the door. Personally i think it is hideous and would like to remove it once I purchase the vehicle. This is a factory installed option and looks like it is held on by double-sided tape. Is this thing safe to remove, or has the tape discolored the paint behind the molding. Basically i am wondering if anybody has done this, how, and will the paint under the molding look like the paint on the rest of the car???
Use the hair dryer to warm up the moldings. when its hot, use the fishing line to grab the end towards the front of the car and slip it under the molding. start pulling back and it will separate the molding from the car. work your way back and pull the molding too. once its off the car, you need to spray down the area and start peeling off the left over tape. its a good idea to polish up the car after that.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Whiteville NC
i used LOTS of WD-40 to help break up the glue when i removed mine...helps keep the glue from smearing onto other areas and it comes off fairly easily after that.
A second set of hands is invalueable also!
A second set of hands is invalueable also!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 139
From: center of Kalifornia
1) Depending on the color and time in sun you may see a paint difference after removal. Red and yellow are bad.
2) You can use WD 40 or other cleaners, be careful. I heard you could use an old water ski glove to rub it / ball it up to pick off.
2) You can use WD 40 or other cleaners, be careful. I heard you could use an old water ski glove to rub it / ball it up to pick off.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,682
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
yes, its safe to remove. There will not be discoloration underneath. Youll need some fishing line, hair dryer, and 3M adhesive remover.
Use the hair dryer to warm up the moldings. when its hot, use the fishing line to grab the end towards the front of the car and slip it under the molding. start pulling back and it will separate the molding from the car. work your way back and pull the molding too. once its off the car, you need to spray down the area and start peeling off the left over tape. its a good idea to polish up the car after that.
Use the hair dryer to warm up the moldings. when its hot, use the fishing line to grab the end towards the front of the car and slip it under the molding. start pulling back and it will separate the molding from the car. work your way back and pull the molding too. once its off the car, you need to spray down the area and start peeling off the left over tape. its a good idea to polish up the car after that.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
I had the same thought about removing mine. I just so happens that yesterday some kid at our office decides with all of the open spaces in our lot he's going to park beside me and hit's my door getting out of his car. He hit it HARD. It put a nice size gouge in the molding. I'll give him points for telling me about it but take them away for offering to buy me touch up paint when it obvious the molding needs to be replaced.
I glad I decided to leave them on because a hole in my door would look much worse
I glad I decided to leave them on because a hole in my door would look much worse
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Hey guys I have removed mouldings several times I have that 3m adhesive cleaner works extremly well to get the excess glue off. Wd40 works well too but I think the 3m cleaner is easier on the paint. Just my opinion though...Oh ya and like the other guy said give a good polishing after you do this... 
Yu can the 3m cleaner at most local auto stores.
Yu can the 3m cleaner at most local auto stores.
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