Vitesse trim removal

[Robin]

I need to do some small paint repairs to the rear wings - is there a technique when removing  the metal side strips and the rear light surrounds without damaging them?

[Colin Lindsay]

Removing the light lenses gives better access. Tap the long vertical trims off very gently with a soft-faced instrument that won't mark either the chrome or the paint. They'll just pull off most times anyway, if you want to pull the horseshoe trims off first then you can hook a suitable instrument into the groove at either end and pull them off but some very gentle persuasion often helps. The long side strips clip on over rivets so can be gently prised off over each rivet head, but be careful you don't bend or crease the trim by using too much force. 

Replace with a suitable modern mastic or sealant, often better on paint than the original metal clips. It's also a good idea if you're reusing the original trim clips to fill the inside of the trim with Waxoyl or the like to keep rust away from the bodywork, as these trims often cover joints or seams.

[Pete Lewis]

any tool used for a bit of levering  always  wrap some tape or anything around the tool to buffer using the body 

the padding acts as a fulcrum  and you dont put a bruise    in the panel.

Pete

[Robin]

Thanks Colin & Pete

[Jon J 1250]

These stainless trims mark and dent very easily.

If you can, remove the rear valances, over-riders and light lenses.

Then without needing to pull or lever them off the clips, you should be able to slide them down off of the clips and rear light panels without damaging them at all.

Regards
Jon

[Robin]

30 minutes ago, Jon J 1250 said:

These stainless trims mark and dent very easily.

If you can, remove the rear valances, over-riders and light lenses.

Then without needing to pull or lever them off the clips, you should be able to slide them down off of the clips and rear light panels without damaging them at all.

Regards
Jon

Thanks Jon - good tip!

[PeteH]

Hi, I purchased similar to this a few years back should be capable/useful in removing trim without marking?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LZH3C3F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pete.