How do I remove drivers door outside molding?

[mycotopian]

I just bought a black 99 Camry LE. Unfortunately it has a huge amount of rust under the outside door molding (the trim piece that protects from door dings). I would like to remove the molding and do the repair myself then take it in to be professionally painted. My question is what is the best procedure to remove the moulding and be able to reuse it? Can I just peel it off slow or are there clips and screws involved? Any pics or links would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Also if you have the FSM for this car and would be willing to email it drop me a PM


The part is #4 in this diagram

[TrailDust]

The adhesive tape that holds the molding in place is not reusable. I think you have no choice but to buy a new molding.

[eyeball96]

On my 96 the when the side mouldings were removed the painter dudes just stuck a large screw driver under one end and started prying it off. Of course they do it all the time, so appeared to me to be pretty simple to me.
They removed the original 3m tape from the back with drill and a wire brush. Then put on new 3m tape, painted them and re-installed them.
To look at them you can't tell they were ever removed.

Instead of a screwdriver you might purchase "trim removal tools" (cheaply on Amazon) That way you would have the right tool for the job. I bought these myself.

Amazon

Amazon

Good Luck.

[mycotopian]

Are there clips involved at all and do they need to be released in a special way or are they just pop outs?

[mail2_jb]

I saw these trim removal tools (same color, not sure the brand) at harbor frieght for $6. Haven't bought yet, so not sure how good is HF tool though.

[eyeball96]

Originally Posted by mycotopian

Are there clips involved at all and do they need to be released in a special way or are they just pop outs?

There were rivets every 6 to 8 inches or so, but no screws. I'm guessing the rivets are there for alignment.
Remember this is on a 96 Coupe. Yours may be different.

[eyeball96]

Here's a pic! You can see the holes in the door.

[doodasdad]

Was this a defect of the gen 3 or 4? I have the same issue on my driver's door...

[mycotopian]

I got the molding peeled off today. The clips seem to be merely to hold it straight and are not much of a fastener. I know a new door is technically what I should do but I want to use this as my excuse to learn a little auto paint and body. If I screw it up then I'll go with a new door but for now this is my project.

Here are some pictures of what I am dealing with.

This is right after I peeled the molding off



This is after I pulled away all of the bubbling paint




Here is the molding piece in case anyone else has the same questions I did





I'll start a new thread to document the repair

[eyeball96]

That sucks dude!...."rust never sleeps" Good Luck

I'll looking forward for your thread on the repair

[doodasdad]

Originally Posted by mycotopian

I got the molding peeled off today. The clips seem to be merely to hold it straight and are not much of a fastener. I know a new door is technically what I should do but I want to use this as my excuse to learn a little auto paint and body. If I screw it up then I'll go with a new door but for now this is my project.

Here are some pictures of what I am dealing with.

This is right after I peeled the molding off

I hope this is not waiting for me on my camry!!! Where can I get a replacement molding? Do the replacements come color matched or must I take it to a paint shop??

[animated_zombie]

Just so you guys know, I was at the dealer last week asking about side moldings for the 3rd gen, and according to the dealer these parts are discontinued; so be careful with your factory parts.

Just a heads up.

Good luck with the repair job!