If the trim of your car has lost its luster, you might want to have it removed. Doing this can help clean up the look of your car and make washing, polishing, waxing, and detailing easier. The trim of your car is there to take some of the abuse that would otherwise damage the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. They can help you avoid dings, dents, and paint loss from hitting or scraping your car on objects like trees or other cars. Whether you just don’t like the look of your trim and want to go without it, or you want to replace them with fresh, new ones, here is a DIY way to remove them without your damaging your paint job or denting your car.
The first step is to warm up the adhesive from the double-sided tape used to attach the trim. If it’s a hot day, warm up your car in the sun to make the adhesive easier to remove. You’ll use a hairdryer to apply additional heat to the trim as you peel it off.
Heat one end of the trim with the hair dryer until it is hot. Wear gloves and gently peel off the trim. You might need to use a plastic razor blade or non-marring trim tools to help you lift. These tools are designed to help you remove the trim without scratching your paint job.
Slowly pull the trim off the panel of the vehicle while sliding the plastic razor or tools under it. Pull steadily and evenly with one hand while continuing to apply heat with the hair dryer. Continue doing this slowly until it is completely removed. Be careful not to bend the trim into the car, you can create a dent.
The most difficult part of removing the trim pieces from your truck or car will be the removal of the leftover adhesive from the tape used to attach the trim. You have to keep in mind that the exterior trim is meant to remain in place for the life of your car or truck, so the adhesive is strong and won’t necessarily be easy to remove.
Remove any remaining adhesive with non-marring trim tools and an adhesive remover. You can use crepe masking tape to cover the area around the adhesive to avoid scraping it. Slowly and gently scrape off the adhesive with your tools. Use caution when scraping the adhesive from the body panel surface. You can damage your paint job even with specialized tools.
If there is rust and corrosion around or under your car’s trim, you must go through the process to have this removed. The corroded area can be sanded and repainted. Again, you have the option of removing it yourself or going to a professional auto body shop.
If you are able to do this correctly, it should not have an impact on your car’s resale value. If you’re not the handy type and you decide to find a professional to do this for you, Breezy Point Auto Body in Stratford, Connecticut can perform your trim removal.
Just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.