DIY: Body Side Molding Removal
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
DIY: Body Side Molding Removal
I am sure that this thread will not be too popular, but since I've recently performed this task and took pictures, I might as well make an informative post out of it.
For those that don't know what I'm talking about, body side moldings (BSMs) are the strips placed on the sides of cars to prevent dents and dings. They are seen here:
Why would you want to remove them then? I've recently installed the A-Spec body kit and Type-S spoiler and the BSMs made the car a little too busy, but that is just my personal view. Theres already many threads on the look of BSMs, so I will not get into the details here.
The process is very similar to debadging the emblems off the trunk, so this thread might be useful too. Here we go:
Parts:
Steps:
Final Results:
I will be answering any questions about the process here.
For more pics and to comment about my car, please visit my car thread: '06 WDP TL with A-Spec Body Kit and Type-S Spoiler - BSMs Removed Pg 2
Enjoy!
For those that don't know what I'm talking about, body side moldings (BSMs) are the strips placed on the sides of cars to prevent dents and dings. They are seen here:
Why would you want to remove them then? I've recently installed the A-Spec body kit and Type-S spoiler and the BSMs made the car a little too busy, but that is just my personal view. Theres already many threads on the look of BSMs, so I will not get into the details here.
The process is very similar to debadging the emblems off the trunk, so this thread might be useful too. Here we go:
Parts:
- Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover Spray OR Goo Gone
- Fishing Line OR Dental Floss
- Blowdryer
- Detailing Clay
- Polish/Wax
Steps:
- Using the blowdryer, heat an edge of the BSM for 1-2 minutes
- Run a strand of fishing line behind the BSM from the outer edge and pull inwards along the direction of the BSM. The fishing line will "cut into" the double sided tape that is holding the BSM.
- When enough of the BSM is detached for you to have a hold of, gradually apply force to slowly pull the BSM away. The BSM is made of some type of rubber-like material, so it is very flexible, but just to be safe, I moved my hands along the BSM while I was removing it to prevent additional strain on the BSM or side of the car. So.. pull outwards to remove the BSM a bit, move hands inwards, pull some more, repeat.
- Once the piece of BSM is detached, you'll be left with dirt and adhesive remnants. Spray the bug and tar remover, let it sit for a little bit and simply wipe off.
- For the stubborn stuff, detailing clay took it right off. I used Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit which comes with everything you need for claying.
- Repeat for the remaining pieces. Total process took me 15 minutes.
- You should clay the rest of the car and then apply wax/polish.
Final Results:
I will be answering any questions about the process here.
For more pics and to comment about my car, please visit my car thread: '06 WDP TL with A-Spec Body Kit and Type-S Spoiler - BSMs Removed Pg 2
Enjoy!
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#8
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone.
This is what I am hoping too.
Originally Posted by varanelli
I did the same thing about a year ago. I haven't had any more door dings without them then when I had them on.
#11
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Mine was negotiated into the price when I bought the car stock.
You will be able to find them online at several sites such as Hondacuraworld and eBay.
You will be able to find them online at several sites such as Hondacuraworld and eBay.
#12
~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
Originally Posted by datmrman
Mine was negotiated into the price when I bought the car stock.
You will be able to find them online at several sites such as Hondacuraworld and eBay.
You will be able to find them online at several sites such as Hondacuraworld and eBay.
That Murphy's law comment does have me worried though. I always park far from people and take advantage of the tilt mirror to hug the curb close, but I bet people will smell when I have that damn thing off!!!
#14
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by darksom1
Yeah, mine were negotiated in as well. So what are you going to do with them now? You really have me thinking of doing this quick mod (and you just saved me $15 on debadging! Thanks datmrman! ).
That Murphy's law comment does have me worried though. I always park far from people and take advantage of the tilt mirror to hug the curb close, but I bet people will smell when I have that damn thing off!!!
That Murphy's law comment does have me worried though. I always park far from people and take advantage of the tilt mirror to hug the curb close, but I bet people will smell when I have that damn thing off!!!
Not sure how I saved you $15, but cool!
I've thought about the Murphy's law bit for a while before removing mine. The BSMs sit too low to protect me against the cars I'm forced to park next to at work. Also, I seem to have a trust with the people I usually park next to at work. We usually stay within our lanes and give each other plenty of space so I feel somewhat safe.
In the end, you do what you can, but things happen sometimes. Enjoy it while you can.
#19
The DVD-A Script Guy
It looks nicer w/o them for sure. Looking good.
If your not already doing it you are going to have to start parking really far out there and all by yourself in parking lots. It looks really nice but ...it looks really naked from protection as well.
If your not already doing it you are going to have to start parking really far out there and all by yourself in parking lots. It looks really nice but ...it looks really naked from protection as well.
#20
~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
Originally Posted by datmrman
Not sure how I saved you $15, but cool!
That's why I referred that other guy who wanted to debadge his car to this thread.
#23
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by darksom1
Because I was going to pay someone that much to debadge me. Now, since I see it's so simple, I can do it myself!
That's why I referred that other guy who wanted to debadge his car to this thread.
That's why I referred that other guy who wanted to debadge his car to this thread.
s2ka, after you have reached 5 posts, shoot me a PM and we can talk more.
#26
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Hmmm.. I wonder if the admins changed the limit again.
Make sure you have "Enable Private Messaging" checked in your profile's options.
I'll look into it for you.
Make sure you have "Enable Private Messaging" checked in your profile's options.
I'll look into it for you.
#32
Is it just me or are Acura owners the best freaking people on earth? Big kudos to you for posting this.
I'm just too chicken to try doing it on my own, so I will have the dealer remove it while I watch - if he does one side succssfully, I will do the other side on my own. i'm a scaredy cat
I'm just too chicken to try doing it on my own, so I will have the dealer remove it while I watch - if he does one side succssfully, I will do the other side on my own. i'm a scaredy cat
#33
Originally Posted by TL_BLUE
Is it just me or are Acura owners the best freaking people on earth? Big kudos to you for posting this.
I'm just too chicken to try doing it on my own, so I will have the dealer remove it while I watch - if he does one side succssfully, I will do the other side on my own. i'm a scaredy cat
I'm just too chicken to try doing it on my own, so I will have the dealer remove it while I watch - if he does one side succssfully, I will do the other side on my own. i'm a scaredy cat
I had mine removed because when they installed them they didn't leave room for the door edge guards, so they had to take all the moldings off and put new ones on. I have the old moldings in case something happens to mine, and except for not having the tape on them they look like new.
#38
Instructor
I removed mines today using a heat gun and platic tool for like door panels removal. just heat it up on the edge of the doors and separate it with something that wont scratch ur paint and start pulling it with you hand and comes off easy. then i spray it with quick deatailer on the dirt that got araound the moulding and wiped off no marks showen that they were on the car at all and its a black car
#39
08 MDX, 04 TL (sold)
iTrader: (1)
Sorry to bump an old thread, but I'm considering doing this and have a question about this.
I have an 04 TL and the original owner had the body side moldings. I bought the car back in 2006 and haven't liked them since the day I bought them. When I negotiated with the Toyota dealer where I bought the car, they told me that they would remove them for me as part of the deal. After purchasing, they told me that they were unable to remove them because there are mounting holes behind the moldings. For 4 years now I have believed their BS, but now I read this thread and find out that there's no holes and the damn dealer was just too lazy to do it for me. (I suppose I could give them the benefit of the doubt that they weren't sure if there were holes or not and didn't want to take any chances, but I still blame that on laziness because they obviously didn't check into it at all.)
Sooooooooooooo...
The question I have now is: Since these things have been sitting on my anthrocite TL for 6 years, if I pull them off, do I risk there being visible marks from where they used to be?
I have an 04 TL and the original owner had the body side moldings. I bought the car back in 2006 and haven't liked them since the day I bought them. When I negotiated with the Toyota dealer where I bought the car, they told me that they would remove them for me as part of the deal. After purchasing, they told me that they were unable to remove them because there are mounting holes behind the moldings. For 4 years now I have believed their BS, but now I read this thread and find out that there's no holes and the damn dealer was just too lazy to do it for me. (I suppose I could give them the benefit of the doubt that they weren't sure if there were holes or not and didn't want to take any chances, but I still blame that on laziness because they obviously didn't check into it at all.)
Sooooooooooooo...
The question I have now is: Since these things have been sitting on my anthrocite TL for 6 years, if I pull them off, do I risk there being visible marks from where they used to be?
Last edited by jhumbo; 07-28-2010 at 07:13 PM.