Amazon: Removing 220 chrome

[HWKWallis]

Before simply wading in, can I ask if anyone has experience removing chrome strips (prior to a paint job).
Will the come off without direct access to the rear of all panels without causing damage?

thanks

Jim

[old fart]

They are held on with a kind of bent wire spring clip, which will come out ok by carefully using a screwdriver at each clip.

[Derek UK]

A set of plastic trim tools are cheap on Amazon. Alternatively slip a length of string along behind the trim up to the clip and give it a sharp but controlled tug. Remove clip to stop it scratching the paint and move along to the next clip. Continue till they are all out. Handy to have a second person to steady the strip while you do the last clips. Originally, each clip was waterproofed by a lump of Dum Dum inside around the clip so that will give a bit of resistance to your pull. Shouldn't stop it coming out though. Easy to damage the paint with a screwdriver so at least wrap some tape round it if you try that method.

[HWKWallis]

Many thanks both.
Have some plastic trim removal tools so will give it a go with that.

Does this apply to the chrome just adjacent to the window glass also?

best

Jim

[Derek UK]

All of this trim is stainless. Pretty well all of it is held on with clips so plastic tools rule. Pictures of cars being restored or a check in the parts book will help identify where the clips are and how many there are. Other clips are also
usually water proofed with DumDum.

[Bob Meadows]

Unfortunately Dum Dum is no longer made:~
It was a really useful product and used on many classics (it can be reused if in clean condition)

Butyl strip is available from the likes of car builder solutions or screen seal can also be used.
Bob.

[Rustinmotion]

Is there not a more modern alternative to the spring clip ? Something that rivets to the body that allows the trim to snap onto? It always seemed a bit strange to have to ram metal clips into fresh paint and then cover the back with dum dum it’s asking for corrosion

[Derek UK]

What you say is very true! Have a look at the T bolts here. See if there is a suitable size. Getting to the back to tighten the nuts can be a problem. There are various pop in plastic fasteners that might work but they have to pull the
trim in tight.
https://www.bresco.com/index.html
Search T bolts metal for starters.

[amazon69]

These
are the ones you want from Bresco for the side trim. They slot in and do not need cutting (which breaks the coating and causes rust) The m5 thread means you can align the trim pieces perfectly along the car, something you cannot do with the awful Volvo clips. I looked long and hard for a modern plastic alternative, nearly got there but not quite. It is possible to get to the back of every clip with patience.

[Derek UK]

Woolies do an alternative to DumDum in strips. You can also make similar with butyl tape.