2012 Body Side Molding

[mprat0127]

I have a 2012 Pathfinder Silver, Super black, and am in the process of getting rid of all the chrome. Plasti dipped the Grill and hatch in the back as well as the roof rails and rims. The only thing I really have left is the chrome body molding on the doors.

So I ordered the Super Black body side moldings but they are not exact replacements for the stock ones. They are the oval ones that look like they may wrap around the existing ones, are these the only kind I can get in super black or can i get the stock ones?

[staynlean]

Yes, your factory side moldings are $600.00 for the complete set! The oval "cheaper" moldings are the only ones that come solid in color.

I am looking for what you are taking off...

[mprat0127]

any idea what it looks like with the stock molding removed? is it just the indented oval shape?

[Oly 22]

.

I expect it would look like this.

[mprat0127]

thanks Oly.

I think I like that look better than replacing them with the matching moldings.

Any idea how to get the existing ones off, in a way that they are still usable?

[doctahjones]

aren't they just 'stuck' on there with adhesive?

i'd imagine if you want them to be somewhat usable, just use a heat gun to warm them up then then sloooowwwwllly peel them back a bit. alternate peeling and heating. similar method to how you remove an ipad2 screen for replacement.....

that's just my thoughts anyway, never done it or seen them removed yet.

[eieio]

Any idea how to get the existing ones off, in a way that they are still usable?

+1 on the heat gun - verrrrry gently on the heat
you also may be able to work them loose by using a piece of fishing line behind them to cut through the adhesive

[mprat0127]

I thought that should work for the chrome piece, but it also has the black piece that fits with the chrome piece that would need to come off as well. I guess I'll take a closer look at it tonight and see if it appears to come off the same way.

Wish Me Luck

[doctahjones]

good luck....and if you have any adhesive bits left on, i've found that nail polish remover/acetone seems to take that stuff right off, but that was on the plastic bumper pieces. not sure what it would do to painted metal.

[eieio]

WD40 usually takes adhesive residue off of painted metal
clean & wax after

[volvite]

Any idea how to get the existing ones off, in a way that they are still usable?

+1 on the heat gun - verrrrry gently on the heat
you also may be able to work them loose by using a piece of fishing line behind them to cut through the adhesive

This method I've found to work the best. Low heat, or on a warm summer afternoon, and then fishing line. Worked for my JEEP.

[Oly 22]

The side mouldings are attached with a double sided adhesive. I have used Goo Gone or a Citrus Degreaser to remove the gummy residue left from decals and adhesives. I agree with eieio and would wash and wax the surface right after.

Good luck!

[staynlean]

I still can't, for the life of me, understand why you would want to remove the moldings, and they are the nicer ones that cost $600.00 a set (un-painted)!!!

I say it again, I actually have a little secret savings acct to hopefully purchase these nice chrome moldings one day for my S model.

[mprat0127]

Staynlean - Dont like the chrome at all, want it to be all black. I dont really mind the look of the molding, just dont like it chrome.

So, I actually went about doing this right before the break. A few things, went about the heat gun method, it seemed to work pretty good on the part of the molding that was painted already, not so hot on the chrome piece. I ended up with a few stretch marks in the chrome piece, maybe because of my lack of patience! Whatever the reason, I got them off and was a little upset to see 2 holes on each side on the front door under where the moldings were, unlike the pictures show of a smooth surface.

I guess the reason they are there is for the replacement moldings, so I will now look into those, although not my favorite look, still like it better than the chome. I will get pictures up as soon as I can.