How to safely remove roof trim strips, W210?

[pjc]

Gentlemen, I realize this question is more appropriate for the bodywerk section (I've posted it there, too), but the diesel forum gets much more traffic. Please forgive me.

I'm preparing for some paint work on my '96 E300 (a smash repair, as the Ozzies say). It has a pair of long, thin, painted trim strips running from the hood to the trunk. How do you remove these without damaging them?

I'm sure there's a bunch of plastic clips underneath, most of which will break, but I'm more worried about the trim strip itself, which costs $100-$200.

pjc
Arlington VA