I really like the look of XKs with this side molding removed and would like to get rid of it on my XKR but I do not want to have to repaint the car. I've read several different threads with some stating that repainting is not necessary and other's stating that it is necessary. Is there a conscience in this forum? Does removal of the side molding require a repaint?

Mark

 

Watching with interest as I need to transfer one from a damaged fender to an undamaged one......so anyone who has removed them....did they come off neatly, suitable for re-use? I believe I read somewhere (X-type section?) that a heat-gun is useful for removal?

 

Most of the time, no. I removed the side molding on my car (using an old credit card to "cut" the foam of the double sided tape, and then a 3m auto adhesive removed to get the residual double sided tape off - see link in my signature) and I had only a slight difference in shade which was fixed by buffing the area with a random orbital buffer and a light cut compound.

However, if your car has been in a side accident it's probable the repair shop didn't bother removing the molding and sprayed over it. In that case, if you remove it you will find a noticeable difference in shades (as was the case with my truck). Your car would have to be repainted.

Also, if your car has spent most of it's life outside in a sunny region then it's possible the paint has faded slightly, while being protected underneath the molding - hence if you remove the trim you might notice a shade of difference.

All that said, it's one of the best "mods" on the XK in my opinion, and the car looks a 100% better and more modern in my opinion. It is also completely reversible, as the molding is flexible and doesn't get damaged if you take care during the removal, and thus can be reinstalled back later if so desired.

Before:


After:

 

I took mine off the same way pomosv described. Unfortunately one side of my car had been repainted, and they painted right over the molding. There was a noticeable difference. I put the molding back on. I think the coupes look better without the molding. On the verts it's a toss-up. It depends in the angle.

 

+1

Mjlaris, if you do want to remove the trim, I suggest you heat up a short section with a hairdryer until it's almost too hot to touch. That way you can peel it back to see what's underneath and if you don't like what you see, you should be able to stick it down again while it's still hot.

 

pomosv, I have the same year and color as you, a 2002 Quartz coupe. Your car looked so good that I want to do the same to mine. It only has 40k miles on it, has never been in an accident and mostly keptin a garage. I don't believe the paint will have faded significantly. Regardless, Frog has a good suggestion; I'll try it that say and see what it looks like. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Mark