So, the molding, or trim, or whatever it is called, that runs slightly below the middle of the doors, S4, is falling off. Think it would be best to pull it off, or try and make it stick again?

If so, what is the best way to make it stick? If I remove it, is it a pain to weld some metal in between and then repaint for smooth look?

 

Double sided 3m foam tape.

 

I had some trim falling off and I superglued it back together using a jack and a cinderblock to weight it to the car while drying. This was in one spot though. If the full piece of trim is falling off then I think 3M makes tape specifically for this.

 

it depends what you like more. im my opinion the S4s look better without the tri on the center of the sides.

 

^ Depends on the color and overall condition of the car.

Completely remove the molding piece. Clean the paint underneath with lots of Dawn soap and water vigorously. Clean the trim piece the same way. Clean the painted surface and trim underside with rubbing alcohol. Try and remove all the old pieces of glue and tape as much as possible. Buy the extra strength 3M trim mounting tape from an auto parts store and carefully apply it. Make sure to wash all the dirt and oils off of your fingers for best results and try to apply it to the trim first in a clean environment. Then apply it to the body.

I had a piece that just would not stay on a while back on a car I had just painted. I did the above and for piece of mind I applied a line of super glue all the way across both sides of the double side foam tape. The glue will actually eat its way into the car paint and trim rubber to bond. As stated by someone else, I also used weights to hold it firmly in place. Cinder blocks and a soft rag to prevent scratches FTW.

 

BTW let the car sit in the sun for a couple hours so the water you washed it with will dry completely.

 

I used WD40, yes I'm serious. It will hurt the paint a bit, but damn this **** sticks if you wipe the WD clean. I went to a local hardware store and bought outdoor use double sided tape. Used to hold house numbers onto bricks and what not. It's been sitting nearly a year in NE weather. Hasn't budged. It was a black and tacky stuff. It could be the 3M everyone is talking about. Also a good trick is leave the molding out in the sun a bit. It becomes very soft and easy to mount.

 

Thanks for the info guys!

 

I've always used the 3M tape myself with good results, but I'd recommend cleaning off the old adhesive with mineral spirits rather than dishwashing liquid or WD-40. Mineral spirits won't harm the finish of the trim piece or the car's paint but it will remove all traces of the old glue, any car wax, etc.

 

Do NOT use PB blaster or any penetrating lube. It will soak into the paint and turn it red. It ruined the lower half of my other car a couple weeks ago. Had to sand it down and rattle can it white again.