How do you remove the long plastic trim on a 1985 300D without damaging it?

I need to sand it and prep it for the body shop. Is there a special tool for trim removal?

on the sides of the body.. ive noticed these red clips that hold them on the inside of the sheet metal.. i think you break the red clips and have to get new ones when you reinstall.. i think.. dont belive me.. wait for someone else

I just used a flat paint scraper thing. After you get the first one out the rest pop out pretty easily. Just did that on the wagon and my parts car.
This is for the ones in middle of car, height wise. You will need to order another set of the red body clips. I'll check where I got them on ebay and edit this post.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/77-85-Mercedes-123-240D-300D-side-trim-clips-65pcs_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33654QQihZ019QQitemZ8075297111QQtcZphoto

I bought from these folks. Clips worked perfect.

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Since you guys are here talking about trim, anyone know how to put it back on?? today the lower, thick portion of trim on the passenger door snagged on a curb (when the door was open, parked) and came off. I can't get it back on in a stable way. before I get out the JB weld or take it to a body shop, thought i'd ask here. thanks!
(82 300TDT wagon)

Mine is held on by a hook towards the front edge, clips down the length, and a screw post at the back end with a nut holding it from inside. There is a rubber grommet you remove, and nut is inside.

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

thanks Jimmy. i believe the nut you're referring too is back there on the curb. seems to be missing and the main reason I can't get the trim back on. maybe i'll go look for it. ugh. maybe it's gonna be some JB weld after all.

The nut on mine was plastic, so I guess that will stip and maybe save the trim from breaking.

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John