I had a few questions about removing the door guard trim that runs the length of our cars. I have seen a few people do it and I think it makes a huge difference. I'm just not sure about a few things.

Most importantly; Once it has been removed, what are the chances that the paint underneath is basically brand new and you have a strange strip of bright paint along the car. My paint is in pretty good shape but man, I would hate that.

Second, for those who have done it, what did you use to remove it and which product did you use to clean up the tape residue that didn't harm the paint?

Thanks in advance for the knowledge!

 

Use a hot air gun or hair dryer to warm up the strip and soften the adhesive.

You should then be able to draw a length of nylon fishing line between the strip and the bodywork to separate the two. I'd lift one of the smaller pieces first to check for any paint fade.

White spirit will remove any remaining adhesive.

You might want to revisit your parking strategy afterwards...


HTH,
Mike

 

I had my car completely repainted this year; and for a week I had the body side mouldings off. I see people with them off, and while my personal taste is actually to have them on, I see why they might like it.

See how close a match your paint is exterior wise to the paint in your door sills. That paint has seen only ever so slightly more light than the paint under your side mouldings. That might give you a decent indicator.

If you do it and decide to put them back on, you can buy the tape pretty cheap to reattach them.

 

I once did a search for the brand "Goo Gone" to see if it was safe on car finishes and came across several applications for your purpose. It seems the main issue with the procedure is the amount of time it takes to remove all the adhesive, and not problems with regard to paint mismatches/fading.