I am getting ready to do a paint job on my 2004 XK8 convertible, I have all winter in a nice garage so time is not a factor. I am going to remove as much as possible to avoid masking anything I don't have to. The one thing that looks tough to do a good sand and mask around is the front windshield trim. Has anyone ever successfully removed and replaced the trim? I am sure it is not cheap to replace if I bend it.

Going to repaint it the same Pacific Blue.

 

Ease off using one of these tools starting at the bottom. One issue is the the plastic retaining clips are now very brittle and prone to breaking.

 

After having my front window replaced and watching (helping) the fitter replace the trim and clips (new metal ones)
When the time comes for mine to be painted i would leave the trim on the car and mask up.

Removing and refitting the trim, you run the risk of cracking the glass, more so when refitting as the pressure pushing the trim in to the clips and possible rust under the glass (that you wont see) can cause stress points.

Others may have removed/refitted the trim with no problems,
Good luck.

 

I am curious why you are painting it. From the pic above it the paint looks pretty good. Nothing looks wrong that a polish of the clear coat would not remedy.

Is there paint damage not shown in the pic?

Painting the entire car seems so drastic. What wrong with it that is not obvious?

 

It doesn't look bad in the photo, but if you washed it and hand dried it the door dings right through the paint and the paint repairs on the stone chips that don't quite match would bug you. I try to keep the car as nice as I can, and I really got it as something to keep me out of my lazyboy chair in the evenings of our long Canadian winters. I have painted a few cars over the years and I have a nice garage so I am looking forward to it..

 

I recently removed mine for painting. The tool above is the correct choice. Take your time, and be patient. One issue to consider is the age of the rubber under the trim. It is not replaceable, it is brittle, and mine just fell apart in several places due to age.

 

Please do a photo story of the paint job. I would love to see the setup and the fished product. Are you changing color?

Sounds fun!

 

Same Colour