Can the side molding the previous owner put on be easily removed, or will it mean some paint work? I don't mind it too much but it's really not useful and doesn't add anything to the car IMO. Here's a pic that shows it pretty good.

 

aren't those wheels from an 01-02 on an 03????

 

Yes, there are. 123456SPEED has probably been asked that quite a few times. His most recent answer to that question is here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/trade-my-anthracite-spoiler-trunklid-299750/

 

Yea but...back to the moldings!
and yes I'd love new rims but other items are more priority right now.

 

My 01 had that same molding on it. I just took some fishing line and slowly slid it behind the modling to get it started, then just pulled the rest off by hand. I had no problems with the paint that was underneath.... so you should be good. Looks WAY better without it in my opinion...

 

Seems like some heat and something slim and guarded would do the trick.

Interesting, I had no idea you car had that on there. I guess it helps with preventing door dings ?

 

I like it- added Sportwing molding to my black 01. If you really don't want it, I've seen several people recommend dental floss to remove emblems. It originally cost over $125 w/o labor or installation.

 

I took the molding off this afternoon, it came off easier than the badges did. Water and dirt gets trapped under these on the side of the car.

If it served it's purpose I might have kept it on, but it was useless cause nothing hits the door that low, below the crease. All my dings are at about a foot higher up at door handle level. It looks cleaner and will be easier to wash/wax.