How to Remove the Car Window Trim?
2 Answers
Here are the steps to remove the car window trim: 1. Open the car door and locate a screw near the lock inside the door. Remove this screw (it secures the bottom trim outside the door). 2. Lower the window completely. Stand outside the car facing the door, lift the right side of the bottom trim upward gently without applying excessive force. 3. Lift it to a height where you can fully grasp the trim with your hand. Hold the far right side of the trim. 4. Pull it horizontally toward the rear of the car to remove the bottom trim. 5. To remove the upper trim, stand inside the car and push outward with your hand. Gradually push from left to right toward the side mirror direction to completely detach it.
I'm quite experienced in removing the trim strips from my own car. Prepare tools like a heat gun or hair dryer, plastic pry bar, and adhesive remover. First, use the heat gun to blow hot air at the edges of the trim for a few minutes to soften the adhesive underneath—don’t get too close to avoid excessive heat. Then, gently insert the plastic pry bar into the seam of the trim and slowly pry it open from one corner. Be patient and gentle to avoid bending the trim or scratching the paint, which would be a real shame. I removed mine because the original chrome trim had oxidized and faded, and I wanted to switch to black for a style change while saving money. After removal, spray adhesive remover on any leftover glue, wait a bit, then wipe it clean with a cloth. Follow up with alcohol to ensure the surface is dry and residue-free before applying the new strip for a secure bond. The whole process took me about half an hour with careful handling, but remember—different car models have different trim attachment methods, so check the manual to confirm the structure before prying.
