Body / Glass: Removal of rocker moldings on '52 Commander.

[41 Frank]

Can anyone shed some light on how to remove the rocker moldings of my '52 Hardtop? I can find nothing about this here in my search. Thanks.

[dictator27]

Push a wide bladed putty knife (2 or 3 inches) under the bottom edge of the moulding and pry out gently.

Terry

[41 Frank]

Thank you Terry.

Push a wide bladed putty knife (2 or 3 inches) under the bottom edge of the moulding and pry out gently.

Terry

[Lark Parker]

Push a wide bladed putty knife (2 or 3 inches) under the bottom edge of the moulding and pry out gently.

Terry

Right. After the full length has been pried, lift straight up

[41 Frank]

Thanks Dale!

Right. After the full length has been pried, lift straight up

[unclemiltie]

They have re-poped the clips that hold them on I believe. You should expect some to be bad.

[fatboylust]

Be aware the front end of the trim has two tabs that are sandwiched between the fender and cowl sheet metal, which may be bent to secure the end.

[41 Frank]

Thanks again Milt and David, appreciate all the helpful hints. My task this coming week is to remove the moldings and see if I can redeem them with a polishing job. If that does not work out to my satisfaction I will reluctantly shell out the bucks for a re-popped set of clips and moldings from Classic Enterprises.

[rockne10]

Frank,
Pretty much as easy as already stated. It may be necessary to loosen the bottom of the front fender to extract the "tabs" that David mentioned. That little front plate is spot welded stainless to the body of the molding. There is no sense in re-welding stainless if you can avoid it.
Make a note of the molding clips, which side is up and which side is down. The reproductions are easily installed but are pretty much a one time application. Get them in upside down and you might as well purchase some more.