W126 exterior stainless trim removal

[David Henneman]

Could someone please explain the trim removal procedure for the stainless trim around the side windows of my 560SEL. I am talking about the trim at the base of the windows and also around the perimiter. I am planning a thorough repaint, and do not want to damage anything while removing it. Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Dave
jmhenneman@frontier.net

[mbtjc]

For the trim at the base of the windows, all you do is pull up, they are just clipped in. You'll have to remove the mirror assemblies completely to get the front 2 off. The trim that runs the entire length of the door openings (the upper most trim) looks to be just screwed in. Just unscrew it. As far as the chrome that is directly around the windows, I honestly don't know. Maybe someone else can shed some light on that.

[jbaj007]

The lower piece, I found sliding it forward (with door closed) then up worked. The perimeter pieces are supposedly a "pinch" fit (according to two different body shops) and are driven off with a dull wedge, but ONLY when they are doing a complete re-paint, since it's supposed to be frought with consequences (messed up paint). FWIW. I'd love to hear from someone with a parts car who has done/will try this perimeter piece removal, so I could polish mine off the car (with a Baldor lathe). Thanks

[kmukherjee]

For reference:

To remove door trim the following steps need to be completed:

1. Remove window channel
2. Inside channel you will see back of trim. Start from one end and pry down.

Considerations:

Rear doors will need to have center bar removed which will mean interior panel and bits will need to be removed.

Front doors will need to have the side mirrors removed
Front door top trim in held in place by plastic trim by side mirror. Slide to remove from clip.
Use wood block and hammer to seat

Always start with the vertical trim at the "fat" end

To install:

Install the upper trim first
Use petroleum jelly to assist installation