Prepping a '63 Series 1 Coupe for bead blasting. Struggling to remove two pieces of chrome trim - the thin strip that runs along the bonnet/wing (hood/fender) join and the trim around the rain gutter. I really want preserve all four pieces so 'just break them off and get new ones' is not a route I want to take. Any advice will be gratefully received

 

The rain gutter trim would be glued on, I think, but might be secured at the ends by small screws. On the Mark 2 saloon that has similar items, a combination of glue and a small screwed clip is used. Have a careful look especially on the underside of the trim, there might be some small screws or rivets there. If nothing, great care is needed to remove, each end is caretully removed outwards and upwards then the horizantal part of it can be rolled upwards to release the trim.

For the bonnet/wing chrome you have to remove the wings, which are bolted to the centre of the bonnet assemble, I think. There is no quick release for these.

 

The rain gutter trim may be glued on and need a heat gun to warm it up to get it off. My car had no glue holding it on. I was able to work it off by lifting the lower edge.
The bonnet trim (beading) is held on by brass bonnet beading retaining clip (BD19030). They slid into the slot between the bonnet center section and the wing (fender) and fold over the flange. You should be able to straighten the retainer and then pull the beading off. The beading is installed after the bonnet is painted and assembled. There are spacers (washers) hold the center section and wing flanges from touching.

 

Whoa!! Don't try to pry off the beading trim on the wing/bonnet seam on your E. Trim is held on by brass strip that protrudes through the seam and is folded over on the underside of the wing/bonnet joint. Once tabs bent straight you should be able to gently lift the chrome beading away.

 

Thanks,chaps - the bonnet strips are off. This was tedious as opposed to tricky - 15 brass tabs plus the omega shaped end fittings per side. Will purchase new brass fittings for the return journey - trying to reuse these looks to be penny pinching waste in the context of the overall cost of the restoration!

 

obald,
On my 68 coupe, the gutter trim presses on. It was difficult to remove but it does come out. You will need some plastic trim removal tools (very inexpensive) to minimize damage during removal. Unless your fender bending is in very good condition, it is much cheaper to buy new ones than to have the old ones rechromed.
Having said that, in the process of restoring my coupe, I am trying to use as many of the original parts as possible without compromising the end result of all the work that goes into a full restoration.
Post some photos. We love to look at photos.
Bill.

 

Righto, all chrome now off without too much drama. The rain gutter trims have obviously been off before as there was a different amount of adhesive on each side in addition to the 'snap fit'. Both trims remove without damage and we are happy to reinstall them. The key to success was a combination of those funny looking bottle /can openers and the hard composite removal pry bars referenced above.





And an overall view of progress thus far

(The Stilson was used to remove the sump from the fuel tank, before anyone asks ;-) )

 

Congrats on doing what can be a difficult and fiddly job ! Unlike so many you sought advice and investigated before attacking the job. So many just tear-**** and damage the trim.