Chrome Strip Removal

[Htiek]

Hi,
I'm in the middle of stripping down my '69 Mk 2 Convertible. All the big bits are off and now I am at the trim removal stage. I'm a little nervous of bending/breaking anything. Am I correct in assuming that the chrome strips along the side of the car simply lever off the clips?
Cheers,
Keith

[garyf]

Hi Keith

Yes you are correct, the side Stainless steel finishers push on to circular Button shaped clips.

Carefull use of a flat widish tool adjacent to the button (A wall paper stripper should do it) should ease them off, be careful not to dent the panelwork or bend the side finisher though.

On the Vitesse the rearmost short rear wing trim clip is slightly different, and may come away with the Stainless Trim.

Also the front wing one is slotted under the bonnet corner piece, so it's best to remove the front bonnet trim first, then the corner pieces (a very small self tapping screw holds this on from underneath originally?) then remove the side trim.

I would drill out the old button clips with a 1/8" drill bit too, if they're ok you can re-fix them with a new 1/8" rivet after the respray, although new clips are available but they are expensive for what they are :-/

Regards

Gary

[garyf]

here's an Image of the Button & Rivet?

[Goody]

I found on one of my Heralds, both rear side trims the last one at each end had clip pressed on from the inside.  Might be a good idea to look inside the boot and feel if their is anything holding that last mount.  On that point it might be better to use a small hammer and gently tap that one out.  The rivets are in stock at most of the vendors.

[Htiek]

Thanks for your replies. With some gentle prying with a trim removal tool while using some plasticard to protect the panels, the strips on the sides of the tub came off a treat. :)
Cheers,
Keith