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How to Remove Door Panel Trim?

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ryeguy2006a

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi guys,

I have a set of door panels and rear quarter panels that are in great shape and my plan is to use some SEM vinyl dye and change them from blue to black. I cannot seem to find anywhere that show how to remove the trim? Can someone assist with this, or post a link for a how to? I'd prefer not to mask off all the trim, but if that's my only option Ill go that route.

Thanks,
Ryan
 
#2 ·
I'm assuming the panels are still in the car? Because the trim has tabs that poke through the vinyl and carboard backing every few inches and then spreads apart, similar to a cotter pin. Very easy to remove the trim, once the panel is out of the vehicle.
Removing the panels isn't difficult. The hardest part is getting the window handles off. There is small cotter key that you can usually get off with a needle nose pliers but they make a tool. There are a few screws along the bottom of the door panel and you will need to remove the door handle.
If you happen to somehow mess yours up in the process, don't worry I have an extra set collecting dust. Good luck!

Let us know how the dye job turns out. My passenger headrest was originally green and the previous owner died it black, and it looks ok, but it probably needs an extra coat.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks for the quick response. Sorry I wasn't more specific. The panels are currently off of the car and I just went into the garage to take a closer look, and I can see where upper trim on both panels has some tabs that can be bent up to remove, but the lowers don't. Are they glued on?

Thanks,
Ryan
 
#4 ·
I'm not sure, the lower trim on my 69 was glued on. I would think it would be similar on the 68, but it looks quite a bit thicker, so maybe someone else knows for sure! … and I am not sure how you would keep the dye from bleeding over onto and staining the chrome. I would think most tape will soak up the dye.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Here are some pictures for reference.

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Image


Image


That's exactly what I'm afraid of is bleeding over to the chrome. With it tapped up, I feel like it's one shot to get it right. Without the trim, I could always touch up one area.

Thanks,
Ryan
 
#6 ·
I would think if you carefully taped up the chrome with Painters tape from an autobody supply shop (not Home Depot Painters Tape) it would work. Get a roll and do a test on something to see. I truly believe with the RIGHT Tape you will be fine. As far as removing the lower chrome, I'm not sure you want to try. Its on there with some sort of bonding process and may damge the vinyl if you try to get it off. I have never tried it. Maybe someone will chime in who has experience with that.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
I tried heating one of the trim pieces this morning to see if there was a glue, if I could melt it. It almost looks like the lower trim is stapled? I gently pried it up and it looks like it was pulled together almost like a staple. Does anyone have any pictures of some original door trim that is removed from the door panel? Someone has to have been in my shoes before?
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
I tried again last night and the trim is adhered by some sort of glue/tape. I heated it up and it came off hard, but I got it all off with no damage.

Image


I'll get these panels all stripped down, cleaned and prepped, then spray it down with some adhesion promoter and SEM Vinyl paint. I'm going to start with both rear panels since they are in the poorest condition and if it works well, I'll do the fronts and dash too.

Any tips for a glue to re-attach the trim would be appreciated.
 
#10 ·
For this scenario I would use Loctite powergrab. It goes on white, and dries clear. It dries to the touch in about an hour, and sets up overnight. It is really good for attaching different materials to each other. It dries similar to hot glue, so if for some reason you don't like it you can peal it off and go a different direction.

I am sure you will get plenty of suggestions that work just as good. Just make sure you don't use something like superglue that will soak into the material and mess up your material and paint.
 
#11 ·
How about 3M spray adhesive? Loctite makes it too. You could mask the area off, spray both the panel and trim piece, let it sit for a few minutes; stick them together and remove the tape. I've had pretty good luck with the 3M. Sauron67MM ( Scott ) would probably know a trick or two. Might want to send him a PM. Bertfam ( Ed ) would be another good source to reach out to.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
I love 3M products and have had great success with them in the past. I picked up some glue for doing my headliner and I'm wondering if that may do the trick. It's in a can with a brush on the lid. I'm wondering if that may keep things a little more neat.
 
#13 ·
ryeguy2006a said:
I love 3M products and have had great success with them in the past. I picked up some glue for doing my headliner and I'm wondering if that may do the trick. It's in a can with a brush on the lid. I'm wondering if that may keep things a little more neat.
Click to expand...
I would think that will work fine. I've used the 3M Super 77 spray. I found there is no room
or very little room for error with it. Once the pieces are together forget about re-positioning.
 
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