side molding removal and install of JDM thin moldings

ASSISTANCE Exterior
1

i’m looking for a little bit of help here, and I did do some searching, but found nothing definitive to help out. so any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

alright, first item on the agenda is removal of the OEM side moldings.
I know how to get the moldings off of the front fenders, as I’ve had to do that before. Pull the fender liner back, squeeze clips, done.

But, however, where I need the help is the moldings on the door and rear quarter panels. I’ve read that for the door, you’ll need to remove the door panel, and I’ve never done that before. Is it a PITA? I imagine it can’t be too difficult, but I’d still like to know if there is a decent “step-by-step” on how to do it.

While I’m not too worried about the door panel, honestly, as I’m sure I’m just thinking its going to be harder than it is, I am unsure as to how to get the rear quarter panel moldings off. What in the world can I do to get them out?

Installing the JDM moldings is obvious, so I don’t really need help.
*Put in proper location
*Line up clips
*Pop them in
*Enjoy baller status.

lol

thanks in advance, I’m going to be starting the bodywork on my DA soon, and will be painting it myself really soon. As, I have recently gained access to a paint booth for free, and I now have access to whatever materials I need at cost (or less). A local shop is fixing the rust spots, and welding in the holes from where I used to have a spoiler on the hatch. I’ll be handling everything else from there.

Again, Thanks in advance.

Paint hookups FTMFW!!! (all of this is costing me practically nothing, and the Integra should look fresher than ever :slight_smile: )

2

k well its all clips and its been a while for me so lemme c what i remember

the door panel… 1 + screw in the lil cuppie thing and one on the outside of the door like in the jam of the door and 1 in with the handle i THINK thats all for the door then all clips pull out and then force LIGHTLY upward… b carefull as i might have missed some screws so pay attention…

back panel has a screw (if u were to sit in the back seat it is undder the cushion line mid way thru ur thy) might b one near the floor around there too im not too sure anymore… i kno that u muust remove the back seat if u plan to remove that whole panel unless u open it up a bit and reach in and unclip but to remove the panel further the speaker cover must come off there is nother screw under there and i think a few screw clips in the trunk i might b wrong but im pretty sure thats all (to remove this panel u gotta pull it away from the door jam and kinda graz it over the little lip it covers)

some 1 will obviousl correct me if i am and sorry if i am but its been a while…

just take ur time and dont pull to hard pay attention to where the tension is and determin why (srew/clip/what ever) if u have manual windows u must push in the door panel and u will c a circle shaped clip with one side opend (like a C) then u must remove that((needle nose plyers) <–they work best) its a hard clip to see so b carfull… ummmm like i said just take time and figure it out or go buy a haynes manual or wtv there good if ur looking to do it urself and dont kno too much about it u knoo i learned alot with itt so good luck

3

i actually managed to find my haynes manual, and it has a step by step of the door panel removal, but not those rear interior panels. happen to have pics of the stuff you mentioned?

4

I use a pair of metal putty knives to work at the clips. Carefully slip them under the moulding from the top and bottom to get at the clips. Best thing is to try and use the corners of the putty knife to disengage the clips. If you try disengaging using the straight edge of the putty knife, it’ll be a bit harder to get the clip to release. Hard to explain, but you’ll get the idea hopefully. The other thing I do too is use a screwdriver (after you’ve completely release the clip) to hold the moulding away from the panel as you work your way down the moulding. This will keep the moulding from accidentally popping back into the holes. No need to remove interior door panels.

5

^ That would work. Good idea. I’m just curious why you’re so worried about getting them off without breaking the clips. Do you need the stock moldings? I just unscrewed the bolt on the door and popped the clips off with a screwdriver.

6

i’d like to keep the stock moldings. i might decide to sell them, or keep them in case of emergency. its not so much that i’m worried about saving the clips, i’m just trying not to bend the metal on the door by pulling and prodding at them. i don’t mind if i scratch the paint a bit (as i’m painting the car after i get them on) but i’m not trying to fix anymore imperfections in the metal than i already have to.

thanks everyone. i’ll hit them with some putty knives, i don’t feel like taking off panels etc. a few scratches and nicks in the paint won’t piss me off, as the current paint that is on there, won’t be on there much longer :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

7

I think if you start pulling to much from the outside without removing the instide door pannel and releaseing the clips. Your going to warp the square clip holes if you pry to much in my opion, then the jdm molding’s will fit loose.

8

The clips will break off before anything happens to the holes.

9

just got the moldings today, question about the door pieces.

i noticed that the door pieces have a screw in them, that would go through the door. does the USDM moldings have that screw? or can i simply pry the USDM moldings off the door with the putty knives too? i was hoping to avoid taking the door panel off, but if its unavoidable, then I’m going for it.

10

Are you talking about the end of the moulding towards the back of the doors? IIRC, that’s actually held on with a 8 or 10mm nut on the other side of the door skin. All the rest of them are held in with clips. I don’t think you need to take the panel off. Just be careful, depending on the condition that it’s in, sometimes those screw/bolt things will snap off. Not a huge issue if it does, just means you need to use glue on that spot if you want to reuse the moulding.

11

i just went out and looked at it, actually. noticed that the screw and nut are exposed when you open the door. sweetness, no door panel removal :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

they are going on tomorrow morning, and then its time to start the body work :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

can’t wait.

12

Are you going to paint the car with the moldings on? You should definately spray the car with the moldings off so the paint adheres behind it. No edge to peel/flake from.

13

true say man that alwayz makes for a cleaner finish

14

it shall be done, car is at the shop now getting the rust etc. fixed :slight_smile: just dropped it off this morning.

15

i managed to take the moldings off of mine by sliding one flathead from the top of the moldings and another one at the bottom where the clips are… if you pull the clips out slightly you can press both tabs and the clips will come out fine… if you can’t control your strength i wouldnt recommend doing it this way because the clips snap just like that…

16

does anyone know the part number for the clips