Convertible Header Molding Removal

Q: Convertible Header Molding Removal

I need to replace/rechrome my header molding on my convertible. Does anyone have any suggestions?

A: It’s a tricky job. Once you’ve removed every screw & the pillar post weatherstripping and trim (there’s a couple of nice little hidden scres there), you have a go at rolling the header chrome forward towards the front of the car.

Start with the piece on the side that overlaps the other side at the centre above the rear view mirror (which I’d suggest you remove if you haven’t already). Stand up in the inside of your bird and get your thumbs up under the trim and sort of roll it upwards whilst pushing forward. On my bird, the passenger side overlapped the driver side at the centre so I started with that side.

There’s a lot of grey putty-like caulking under it that holds the trim on pretty firmly to the actually metal frame. It looks like the same stuff that holds the kick panels on around the vent area. I also sprayed a LOT of RP7 under the trim to break the contact between the chrome and the grey goo. Not knowing what was under there I figured the RP7 couldn’t hurt. As it turns out I think it helped break the seal between the goo & the trim…….maybe a bit.

Anyway, like I said, roll it forward and apply a fair amount of pressure. Once I got the piece just barely off at the centre I put a screwdriver shaft under it and work my way towards the outside, trying to push the whole trim sideways as well as over the top. I also used a very small screwdriver to remove the grey sealer as I went. When I could, I removed the gunk before pulling the trim away from that section. In the end it sort of slid up and over and rolled towards the outside of the car. The other side will be easier.

Take your time and be prepared to walk away and come back the next day….I did this a few times. It is pretty frustrating but the trim is also pretty tough and won’t be too easy to actually bend out of shape.

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