Do I need a special tool to remove the chrome well molding that goes around the conv top in back? Are they screwed in from underneath? I know they use clips similar to the front molding. Do I use the same tool? What the procedure for getting this molding off? I'm getting ready for paint and am in the process of getting all the molding, emblems, trim, etc off the car. Thanks.

There are a number of small phillips head chrome screws that hold the well molding in place from the inside. You will need to have the top partially down and use a short screw driver to get to the screws. Mine had around 6 screws - I think.

After you remove the screws, you should be able to pull the trim towards the interior of the car and the two pieces should come off.

Tom

So you don't have to pop the trim off the clips with a special tool?

I did not have to use a trim removal tool on my trim (and I have had it off and on several times). The clips are not mechanically attached to the body seam - they only "squeeze" the body seam and should pull right off.

Any more tips from the other convertible owners on the forum?

Tom

Mine came off just like trmjr1 says. Remove the screws and pull towards the interior. It should slide right off.

Mine only had 2 screws attaching the molding - the others were missing. Now that I go to replace mine, I'm not sure if I'm going to have enough room to insert the other screws. How far do you recommend to take the top down to get good access to those screws?

Ok. I found the little screws from hell that will not budge with all my might and a good squirt from PB Blaster. I think I now know why the previous owner masked this trim off and painted! Could these little screws be harder to get at??? Sheez. Next step is to grind the screw heads off - if by chance there is even enough room to get at them. They will not budge and I'm stripping the phillips heads off with every try - making it worse. I've even lifted the trim off from the outside with a screw driver and squirted some PB in on backs of the screws. Not happy right now. I think putting in new front coil springs was easier....

Take your screwdriver and place it in the screw.Take a hammer and safely tap your screwdrivers handle and give it a few good whacks(safely!) and then try and turn the screw,repeat a few times.This should help free up/dislodge any rust that is making it hard to turn.If this fails, get the drill out and drill the head of the screw off using a bit that is around the same size of the head.I have used both methods to do this exact same job,both with success.

David