best way to remove side mouldings without damaging them?

[John]

As per title, I need to remove some side mouldings, but seeing as they are impossible to find/replace I need to save and re-use the old ones. Whats the best way to get them off without damaging them? :)

[bazil]

Piano wire, or high poundage fishing line,

[John]

really? would it be worth heating/warming first too or do we think that would distort them?

[Novasport]

Windscreen cutting wire, just be careful with it.

[bazil]

Can help but sometimes the heat softens the moulding and if not laid out flat to cool they can distort

Just mind and wear thick gloves so you dont lop a digit off lol

[John]

Windscreen cutting wire, just be careful with it.

We have a glass removal tool at work, the wire seems pretty thick, will see if there's a thinner wire available and have a go.

Not bothered about the door or paintwork btw.

[bazil]

Windscreen cutting wire, just be careful with it.

Very careful! Will easily cut the mould too

[John]

iirc the mouldings have a thin stainless backing?

[bazil]

Early ones had a steel trim on the back ( for locating on the rivets ) late mk1 ones had thin metal imbeded in the mould and mk2 are right and flacid lol

[brainsnova]

Try heating the back of the skin

[bazil]

http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy181/Bazil_2468/random1/da6add21.jpg
http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy181/Bazil_2468/random1/3a933cdd.jpg

[Spudly]

You can also use an old rag the same way as using wire, way less likely to cause damage to the trim or the bodywork of the car:thumb:

[Novasport]

If it is for the more door you may find a new set easy enough. Is it blue/grey with red pin stripe

[John]

If it is for the more door you may find a new set easy enough. Is it blue/grey with red pin stripe

Yeah Rich, they're just grey with no insert iirc, been looking for a set, no luck :(

[lee 16v]

What about using a credit card? Thats how I use to take them off. Or a filler spreader if you have one.

[burgo]

Filler spreader is the way forward