[slang]

All,

In case anyone has thought about removing their side mouldings but have been a bit worried about it, then this is written for you.

Until a week ago I didn't think I'd do this but after meeting Jected and Exotica in Melbourne and seeing their large and clean doors, I decided that I'd do it sooner than later and this afternoon was the perfect time.

The way I did it basically follows a thread I found in the US section with a link to a You Tube how-to clip.

1. Soaked the top of the side mouldings with CRC and waited 10 minutes.

2. Used a plastic paint scraper-type tool with a Chux cloth folded over a couple of times and over the end of the plastic scraper's 10cm wide (?) edge.

3. Firmly pushed the Chux covered plastic scraper between the panel and moulding and whilst pulling moulding with left hand, pushed the scraper with the right hand. For the following mouldings, I soaked the edge of the Chux in CRC which helped to lubricate the back of the moulding as I slid it along. This was lucky to have taken 5 minutes total.

4. Once all were removed, I had to straighten them back out a little (for storage).

5. I then had the "fun" job of removing the residual tape that was still stuck to the doors. This took the best part of 2 hours.

Some "goo removing" tips:

a. The larger pieces should "roll" off just by rubbing it with your thumb, nail, or scraper.

b. The worst part was the smaller pieces that were very difficult (for me). I tried to use some Aussie made "goo remover" (can't recall the brand) which was a citrus type. It sucked! I ended up soaking the leftover "goo" with CRC. I then used some hot water and car wash in a bowl to breakdown the goo. Then using the plastic scraper covered with Chux I repeatedly poured Eucalyptus Oil onto the side of the Chux-covered scraper. This was then moved in a quite vigorous up/down/left/right/diagonal motion which ended up clearing all the goo away.

c. Be careful not to scratch your car with the plastic scraper (mostly corners) pushing through the cloth. However, the corners were the best way to get the stubborn goo off.

That's more than enough detail for now. All I will add is that the following may help to reduce the amount fo goo left behind (experts please jump in and tell the rest which would be best):

i. Peeling the mouldings off much slower, possibly with a 2nd set of hands helping.
ii.Soaking the moulders with CRC for hours intead of minutes.
iii. Heating the tape on the mouldings as you slowly peel them off.
iv. Using fishing line tied between two keyrings (or similar) and using a "sawing" motion

Even though I've only had the car since late Oct 07, I will probably polish the sides tomorrow.

The only other thing is that I couldn't work out whether I could salvage the 300C side badges as the strips were incorporated with them, so I'll probably just order some freshies and whack them on later.

If your confidence needs a boost, do a search for moulding removals here or on You Tube for the short instructional video someone else prepared. And the ultimate boost should be that I am an office worker with little "handyman" knowledge or experience.

Apologies for the length of this post. Hope this helps someone.