Taking it apart

[SmashingPunkFan]

How can I remove the vinyl top trim and side body trim without damaging anything else?
Im like a few weeks out from starting my metal work, and need to take this trim off, I wont be reusing any of  the trim besides around the windows

Thanks,
Shaun

[bill440rt]

There are fasteners (speed nuts) on the backside of the trim. Remove them. 

Once the speed nuts are removed, you can pry up on the stainless vinyl top trim to remove it. If you're afraid of damaging anything, try using a plastic body filler spreader to pry the trim up. Or, you can squeeze the spring clips that hold it in place from inside the trunk.

What else do you have to remove without damage?? 

[SmashingPunkFan]

The trim around the windows. Mainly around the front windshie area. ;Dld
Thanks for the help!

[bill440rt]

You'll need a windshield trim removal tool.
There are several designs. Here is one example:

http://www.dkhardware.com/product-29151-kd2038-auto-glass-molding-release-tool.html

[SmashingPunkFan]

Awesome. so its not held on by nuts or anything?

[nvrbdn]

nope, all by clips.

[SmashingPunkFan]

Cool. I went to pick up the tool, and they had to order it. Should this cover the chrome on the drip rails and rear window as well?

[nvrbdn]

the rear window is clips also. the tool should work for that also. the drip rail chrome is not held on by clips. when putting it on it just clips itself into place. so removing, you gently persuade it from the bottom side pushing away from the window. after clearing the lip, lift up. it will roll off. remove the front small angled piece near the top of the windshield first. it will over lap the other two pieces.

[SmashingPunkFan]

the rear window is clips also. the tool should work for that also. the drip rail chrome is not held on by clips. when putting it on it just clips itself into place. so removing, you gently persuade it from the bottom side pushing away from the window. after clearing the lip, lift up. it will roll off. remove the front small angled piece near the top of the windshield first. it will over lap the other two pieces.

Should have my tool today, so we will find out. Thanks guys

[Dino]

Go slow with that tool and don't put too much pressure on it.  It's a great tool but I've seen impatient people ruin the glass, the trim, the paint and the damn tool in 2 seconds flat!
Once you see how it works it's a breeze.  I used to put some masking tape on it so not to scratch anything.

[SmashingPunkFan]

Awesome. got the drivers side off, and vinyl trim off passenger. Started sanding on the passenger, was using a harbor freight RO sander, it took forever, so went and got a DeWalt orbiting sander... wow fast. Gonna get it sanded down on rear quarters first. Im finding some hidden prizes... BONDO! lol

Ill keep you guys posted.

[440]

Is the vinyl top trim that you took off in good shape ?

[SmashingPunkFan]

Yes. Great shape

Is the vinyl top trim that you took off in good shape ?

[SmashingPunkFan]

Someone used a dent puller on it at some time. I was wondering, do you guys think I can pop these out? or should I just replace with a half quarter?

Just wondering, would love feedback

[Back N Black]

Personally, i would replace the complete quarter,but it depends on you budget.

[FLG]

Personally, i would replace the complete quarter,but it depends on you budget.

Why?? From the looks of it theres hardly much wrong with that quarter


Also, things could go quicker for ya with some aircraft paint remover and a putty knife, than sand down whats left. Bit messy but it gets the job done quick.

[SmashingPunkFan]

Under the turn signal light, it has cancer. but all the lower lines have been dent pulled. above the deck lid level is perfect. I was thinking a half quarter? or do you guys think I can tap these out?

[SmashingPunkFan]

Herse the drivers side. Im thinking Im gonna go with two half quarters. Feedback?

[FLG]

What half quarters???

Get some metal and patch it in, those look great!

Maybe just need the VERY lower part? Hard to tell.

[SmashingPunkFan]

They have been dent pulled on both quarters, then covered with  inch and a half of bondo, just a route I'd rather not take. Heres what I was thinking, but I havnt made up my mind for sure.

[SmashingPunkFan]

Lower parts for sure, it is cancerus under turn signals

[440]

Keep as much original metal as you can. Those quarters look pretty good.

[SmashingPunkFan]

What should I do to the spots where the dent pulls are? and I feel like the middle body line is gone on the passenger side how could I recover this?, without using a crap load of bondo

[SmashingPunkFan]

Got the rear window out today... I am very spontaneous 
And found a problem. I dont think AMD makes these, who else might? Should I just make a replacement?
The drivers side is gone

[SmashingPunkFan]

Here are the pics