Trim Removal - 71 GTX

[bulletpruf]

Fellas -

Going to prime my 71 GTX soon, and I'm realizing that I don't know how to remove all the trim without tearing it up. Can anyone instruct me as to the proper procedures for removing drip rail trim, trim around the side windows, as well as the trim around the windshield and rear glass? Isn't there a tool that I need for the front and back glass?

Thanks!

Scott

[fourforty6pac]

Yes there is a molding release tool. I'll post a pic later. One end has the handle and the other looks like an arrow. You work it along under the w/s trim till get to a clip. When feel the clip you pry it away from the body and edge of the trim. While doing so gently lift the trim away. It takes some practice, just be patient. Sometimes the trim will stick to the sealant, you can cut that away with a utility knife.
The drip rail trim can be removed very slowly with out any tools, it's just a matter of getting it started and slowly working it off the drip rail. I pry it up from the bottom.
Do you mean the belt molding around the side glass? Or are you talking about the small chrome trim that is attached to the window felt?

[bulletpruf]

Yes there is a molding release tool. I'll post a pic later. One end has the handle and the other looks like an arrow. You work it along under the w/s trim till get to a clip. When feel the clip you pry it away from the body and edge of the trim. While doing so gently lift the trim away. It takes some practice, just be patient. Sometimes the trim will stick to the sealant, you can cut that away with a utility knife.
The drip rail trim can be removed very slowly with out any tools, it's just a matter of getting it started and slowly working it off the drip rail. I pry it up from the bottom.
Do you mean the belt molding around the side glass? Or are you talking about the small chrome trim that is attached to the window felt?

I am referring to the belt molding around the side glass.

Thanks,

Scott

[bruce]

The belt molding is held in with clips that snap into holes in the top of the quarters and doors, as well as the occasional screw. It can typically be pried off with a screw driver, but do it CAREFULLY and slowly! It also helps to have the door panels off and the rear panels. That way you can work the clips from inside if you need to.

A trick with the drip rail molding is to use an old bottle cap opener to pry it up from the bottom. First put some electrical tape around the bottle opener though--to keep from denting and scratching the molding. Once again go SLOWLY and carefully! It's VERY easy to twist these moldings and put a hard to remove dent in them if you work too quickly. Not to mention it's really easy to RUIN them altogether...

[bulletpruf]

I ordered the trim removal tool from Eastwood.

I'll have the door panels off, so it should be easier to remove the belt molding.

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to tackle it this weekend.

Scott

[72RoadRunnerGTX]

My 72’s have/had belt molding clips attached to small welded studs on the door’s outer sheet metal, no holes through to the inside of the door. Hey do have one threaded stud with an acorn nut at the very rear edge of the door molding, underside door jamb. Same a for the rear window belt molding, welded studs with one wire snap-in type clip at the upper most point.