View Full Version : Exterior strip trim...should i take it off?


jcj08sta
10-16-2007, 09:32 PM
I was looking at an older car that has the same type of strip that you see on the exterior of the Lt models (not sure about SS tho) and it looked terrible. Because of the years, some parts peeled off and you could tell how the car's color faded. So, would it be a good idea to go ahead and take the strip off before it starts to i guess...peel off? Also if anyone with an Lt model has done this, could you post pics?

Thanks.

OrngBalt
10-16-2007, 09:34 PM
look in my photos... def take it off

jcj08sta
10-17-2007, 09:46 PM
bump

lucky_lellow06
10-17-2007, 09:53 PM
Without it you have door dings, with it, someone can ding ya, and you don't have to deal with a dent in your actual door. But to be honest, it looks a million times better without that stupid trim.

bryce712
10-17-2007, 09:56 PM
good luck to getting it off since its not as warm as it used to be now. a lot of goo gone and a heat gun will be your best friends if you decide to do it.

weavagra
10-17-2007, 10:56 PM
My 05 LS with trim removed.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/weavagra/fd5951fd.jpg

Switt23
10-18-2007, 09:06 PM
I'm gunna do it to my LT probably tomorrow. I have work off so that ought to be fun. 65 and sunny with a slight breeze..

Bug and tar remover might help too. I use fishing line and gloved (to prevent the fishing line from cutting up your fingers). Then hit it with the goo gone/ bug and tar remover and then heat. Rub with your thumbs or microfiber towel.

TheDaves413
10-18-2007, 10:41 PM
Yeah the car looks great without the trim.

I was unsure at first because I didn't want any damage to be done but then my buddy swung my door open when we were drinking and NAILED the car next to me. Not a single mark on the trim and a small dent on my door. After that happened I decided it was not worth it.

2 hours of removing adhesive with my thumbs. Wish I had a pic or two but I haven't taken any in awhile. Need to get a damn digi cam....

jcj08sta
10-18-2007, 10:43 PM
Actually, I was talking about the black sticker trim that runs from the front headlight to the rear. Sorry since i guess i wasnt clear on that.

TheDaves413
10-18-2007, 10:45 PM
Actually, I was talking about the black sticker trim that runs from the front headlight to the rear. Sorry since i guess i wasnt clear on that.

The pinstripe thing?

wdsoccer
10-18-2007, 10:45 PM
look in my gallery. i have a 05 ls

jcj08sta
10-18-2007, 10:47 PM
The pinstripe thing?

sure?

TheDaves413
10-18-2007, 10:48 PM
Ok I looked at your pics JC, personally I say remove the door trim and leave the pin stripe. But the pin stripe being gone and the trim being gone would make the car very clean. Tough call!

jcj08sta
10-18-2007, 10:53 PM
Ok I looked at your pics JC, personally I say remove the door trim and leave the pin stripe. But the pin stripe being gone and the trim being gone would make the car very clean. Tough call!

Great! Thanks for the suggestion :twothumbs! Im still learning stuff clearly. Even though they're calling for a mild winter here in NC, Im guessing I should probably do that when it officially starts to warm up?

TheDaves413
10-19-2007, 06:50 AM
Great! Thanks for the suggestion :twothumbs! Im still learning stuff clearly. Even though they're calling for a mild winter here in NC, Im guessing I should probably do that when it officially starts to warm up?

Yeah definitely wait until it is a bit warmer. I just took my back bowtie off a week ago to paint it and its been so cold the adhesive i am using wont stick for long. Not to mention it took me a good 20 minutes to get the thing off.

If you want a good trick to use get a buddy an extension cord and a hair dryer. Have your buddy position the hairdryer on the trim to start heating the adhesive and you use the fishing line to get behind there and take it off.

Good luck!