The vinyl (?) along the tops of the doors below the windows is in sad shape- appears to be sun damage. This is a southern no rust vehicle, but there is always a trade off... Has anyone removed the black trim on the tops of the doors and rear panels without damaging the paint underneath? I plan to just repaint the trim pattern using satin black finish. Thanks.

Randy

Are they also scratched, or something? Can't you just paint over them?

When you do paint, consider Duplicolor Trim Paint.

Excellent results in black matte finish

Smells bad, though. Use adequate ventilation and expect ordor to last a couple of days (must be real automotive paint)

>Are they also scratched, or something? Can't you just paint over them?

Yes; scratched, split, really bad shape. I think they need to come off, but maybe I could do a little experimentation with sanding/painting over but I don't know how the paint to adhere to the vinyl like trim that is already there. Thanks for the recommendation on the paint.

Randy

FWIW, I painted the vinyl trim along the door bottoms using that Duplicolor Trim Paint.

No sanding in that case. Just several wipings with wax & grease remover.

BTW, sanding won't help you on the adhesive window trim. It'll twist up at the edges like tape. (but, by all means, try it for yourself)

Maybe an adhesive remover?

Zee,

I tried a heat gun. Works about the same way it does when removing the pinstriping on the Volvos. Heat a length and pick at the edge and gently pull. Too much heat or any heat on the strip that is started off and it immediately breaks/melts. Too little heat and the adhesive is too strong and the film breaks. Once the film is off the adhesive cleans off with lacquer thinner. Took half an hour to do a length of about 18" along the quarter window. I was unable to locate the DupliColor Trim Paint at the closest AutoZone, but it will be awhile before I need it at the rate this is coming off. Thanks for the input.

Randy

Just thought of this:

Before yuo remove another piece of the vinyl trim, how about making a paper template of it which you can use later as a masking outline, should you be inclined to paint on the new trim effect?

If Duplicolor paint isn't available, look into 3M brand. Most autobody suppliers carry 3M stuff, including their adhesive remover, Body Shultz, Rocker Shultz, Imperial Hand Glaze (teriffic!), Window Weld, etc.

Zee,

The old vinyl trim has protected the paint under for those 12 years so that there is a slight variation in color between the paint beside the trim and what was under it. I just need to mask along that line.

Randy