removing exterior trim

[twoscoops]

Guys

I am trying to restore a '92 convertible and would like to remove as much exterior trim as possible to clean behind and treat it. Could any of you give me an idea of what can be easily removed and how to go about it.....pictures would be fantastic!!!

Cheers

Tim

[twoscoops]

ok not a big reply to this one then. I am guessing the front grill. Does the trim on the bumpers and along the very bottom of the side of the car come off?

[Topblag]

too general a question I think.

If you list what you'd like to take off, you'll probably get more help.

[twoscoops]

fair enough, here's the thought;
thick black trim along the side underneath the door
Central side black trim
Front grills (full width of car)

Think thats it folks. Interested in finding out where they are all held and how to undo them to be honest.

Cheers

[Rtaylor2208]

The centre section of the grill is held on with small metal clips along the leading edge where the bonet closes. The Left and Right part of the grills are help on with some more clips and a few screws which you should be able to see between the slats.

[twoscoops]

Thanks mate, did you have a go with the renovo kit on you hood yet?

[Rtaylor2208]

Yep, it has came up well, I bought the smaller 3 step kit from 3bay which gave me 500ML of each, I have enough cleaner used for another once over of the roof, but the dye and proofer are finished.

I would say from my experience though to leave it till warmer weather and make sure you let it dry out fully between cleaning, dyeing, and then sealing, it took 3 days between each for mine due to a cold damp garage.

The paint stains pretty badly. I did mine with the roof off of the car and masked up the rear window.

I dont have any good daytime pics yet but this will give you an idea:

[twoscoops]

That looks great mate, I used exactly the same kit so I will try and dig out some snaps when I get home. That's a lovely looking motor!

[Topblag]

Rub strips are all clipped in, except door strip, which also has a screw on the edge of each door where the door catch is (in addition to the clips).

Bottom strip along the cill is also clipped in. Be careful when removing this as they are either very expensive or NLA and the area where the clips grab can break easily.

I don't take them off, just give them a rub with Autoglym Bumper Care and they come up grand. Wipe any excess off the paint. Same with the grills.

Get yourself a cheap set of trim pullers from ebay, well worth the investment and if you slip, unlike a screwdriver, won't scratch your paintwork. I got similar set for £8 a couple of years ago.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOJO-SET10-10 ... 43a829eb91

[twoscoops]

Hmm just noticed the chrome trim on the windscreen pilar and under the windows, is that standard or did you out that on? It's black on mine.

[Topblag]

Facelift and the last of the prefacelift cabs have black trim (the last of the prefacelift had metal bumpers which are colour coded).

If you have chrome bumpers, leave the trim chrome, if you have colour coded metal of plastic bumpers, it should be black.

[twoscoops]

Thanks for the quick reply. Have to say that I think the chrome looks smart!

The black trim at the bottom of the windscreen pillar on mine is coming away and sticking out, have you any idea how this is held and how to reattach?

Cheers

[Rtaylor2208]

Thanks twoscoops it's getting there still needs some small dents removed and some paint but having spent the best part of a grand on here over the winter itll be getting used this spring and summer and off to the bodyshop funds permitting over the winter

[Topblag]

was that cabby bought from Alec in Edinburgh ?

[Rtaylor2208]

The very same, has had a lot of work put into it already there was many bodged things on the car. But still quite a bit to go.

[Topblag]

The very same, has had a lot of work put into it already there was many bodged things on the car. But still quite a bit to go.

I'm sure it's gone to a better home.

He smashed the sump on that thing and with the red oil pressure warning light on, drove another few miles and wondered why the engine had seized.

Looked like a solid car though, Tech 1 spoiler and valances set it off well.

[e30topless]

I'd be wary of removing 20 year weather battered trim.

thats not the case, they were built to last !