Former User

The black paint on my driver and passenger door molding (parts #1 and #3) is chipping and looks like ***, so I plan to remove and paint them this weekend. Five yellow plastic clips (part #9) secure each molding to the door.

Can somebody please tell me how to remove these plastic clips without breaking them?




Also, does anyone know of a good product for stripping off the old paint once I have the moldings removed?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

I don't know how to get them off but I read where someone just used a razor blade on the paint prior to repainting. He kept them on the car and just masked everything off.

MRGRIM

iTrader: (1)

this should help give you the general idea
http://civic.hondafitjazz.com/A00/HT...361KBAT00.HTML

Former User

Are you able to see the pictures at the link?

Former User

I thought it might be easier to remove the molding and then repaint. But who knows, I may have to go this route.

MRGRIM

iTrader: (1)

yes just click on the grey icon there a closed pic link

Former User

Oh okay, the pics didn't display with FireFox but did with Safari.

Hidenplanvew

Holly CR*P Ron dosent know something! My Faith in Honda tech just droped lol

I just masked mine off and used the razer blade trick came out good, just take your time when masking.Also heard something about using like 600 grit to ruff up the chrome stuff alittle and use some filler primer but I never did that.

94EG8

Very carefully. They get really brittle when get get old. You need to very carefully push the center part of each clip inward and carefully pry up on the molding.

It's not paint, it's rubber. Use a razor blade to remove it, but leave the edges. Paint with duplicolor trim paint.

Former User

You're right. This was clearly evident after I removed the molding. The sun protected end of the molding that inserts into the door retained the original rubber coating. Thanks.

VicBernal68

great post...thanks for the info!

Former User

I posted a DIY thread for this project here:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/diy-door-glass-molding-removal-painting-96-00-civics-3063334/

idreamidrive

You went through more hassle than what was needed to remove the trim. You do not need to pull the door card or glass. Those green tabs are actually not that brittle as people have been saying.
Here is how I did mine.

1. Technically you don't need to remove the door mirror, but it makes it a lot easier.

2. Grab the trim with your fingers by where the mirror was and pry it towards you.

3. Move down the trim till you get the whole thing off.

I did this and didn't break those tabs.

I tried it without removing the mirror and starting at the other end of the door, it worked but I took a chip out #2 of your original picture because part of the trim was behind the molding.

Just my $0.02 on making somebodies life a lot easier.