1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Drip Rail Trim Removal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-12-08, 07:48 AM
  #1  
Go Hawks!

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
64mgb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Drip Rail Trim Removal

A while back I did some research on removing the trim piece on the drip rail (above the doors) and didn't find anything that helped...in fact most of what I found said it was too difficult and it shouldn't be attempted. I went ahead and removed one from my parts car by tapping on the front edge of it and eventually sliding it off. A lot of work and it damaged the front edge.

Yesterday the guy fron the glass place was here to remove the windshield in preparation for paint, and I asked if he had ever removed things like that. He said he had not, but started fiddling with it, and just popped them off! He put his thumbs on the bottom and fingers at the top and pushed with his thumbs and pulled with his fingers (see pictures). I'm assuming they'll snap back on with a little persuasion from a rubber mallet.

By the way, he used a tool that made windshield removal VERY easy...no piano wire. It's like a saws-all but it has shorter, quicker strokes, and uses a paddle type thing for a "blade". I've attached a picture, but it doesn't show the blade too well.

Rich
Attached Thumbnails Drip Rail Trim Removal-2008-01-11-16.01.30_003..jpg   Drip Rail Trim Removal-2008-01-11-16.01.36_004..jpg   Drip Rail Trim Removal-2008-01-11-15.30.10_001..jpg  
Old 01-12-08, 09:27 AM
  #2  
REW'd FB

 
z-beater's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: WA
Posts: 2,685
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Great information there.
Old 01-12-08, 09:43 AM
  #3  
is a Subaru guy
 
IronMonkeyL255's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That's how I pulled the trim off of our '83.

Then I got chewed out because my roommate was just going to leave it on while we painted the car....
Old 01-12-08, 10:26 AM
  #4  
Brap, Brap, Ole!

 
mikewoodkozar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: kalamazoo, mi
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wish i would have been around when that thread about removing the trim got started!

Its really not that hard.

I took mine off quite a while ago, refinished all the trim and put it back on with no issues.

It can be done very easily by pulling the top edge of the trim down towards you, like mentioned above it simply pops off. No tools required, simply use your good ol fingers.

Putting it back on is a little more difficult but it will "pop" back on by simply starting at the bottom and pushing it up and towards the car.

It was a painless operation for me
Old 01-12-08, 10:49 AM
  #5  
is a Subaru guy
 
IronMonkeyL255's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My problem was the trim on the a-pillar. I broke all of the clips holding it on, but the trim was undamaged.
Old 01-12-08, 11:51 AM
  #6  
Brap, Brap, Ole!

 
mikewoodkozar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: kalamazoo, mi
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^ that cannot be avoided and they are pretty cheap to replace through blackdragonauto
Old 01-12-08, 12:57 PM
  #7  
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
iTrader: (2)
 
dj55b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 6,122
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I could of told you they snapped off too when reinstalling them, you almost have to use your whole weight on it and don't worry about it being aligned neither at it will almost never happen by just popping it. So what you do is just snap it as close as you can to the windshield trim, and then tap it with a mallot on the end till it slides over the windshield trim. Keep your one hand on the windshield trim to not pop it out ... ask me how I know lol.
Old 01-12-08, 04:32 PM
  #8  
Have RX-7, will restore


iTrader: (91)
 
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 21,713
Received 1,053 Likes on 892 Posts
i'm glad that this thread exists! thaks Rich!!! i had been fighting with a set and didnt really try and "persuade" them to come off and just decided to leave them alone. well, i'll give this method a shot!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Cookboy
1st Gen General Discussion
18
10-12-15 06:55 AM
risingsunroof82
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
8
09-07-15 01:11 PM
apooch
Single Turbo RX-7's
8
09-04-15 10:27 AM



Quick Reply: Drip Rail Trim Removal



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:50 AM.