Hi,
Has anybody had experience in removing the stainless trim from the window frame? I'd like to remove it prior to painting but it looks like it is there for good, in which case it can stay.

thanks

Jon

Done it quite a few times using the following method:-

- Lie the door down on its outside using something quite giving, like foam, so as not to dent the door skin
- Brace the window frame, even someone holding it is okay
- Start at either end of where the trim ends or you can start at the top 90 degree bend
- Use a piece of timber about 50mm x 25 mm and, say, 150mm long
- Place the 50mm side of the timber on the outer lip of the stainless trim. There is a distinct ridge.
- Hit the other end of the timber with a medium hammer. Hard to describe level of impact required, but it needs to be sharp and fairly hard.
- The trim will just "pop" off
- Work your way around the window

Scary but works okay. Good luck.

Also, spray the edge of the trim with a lubricant of sorts, like WD40, to help the trim slip off the window frame.

...and above all else, take it easy, and carefully.

Found it fairly easy to do whilst the door is still fitted to the car.

Getting it off is not the problem. Replacing it without damaging a new paint job, Arghhhhh!!

_________________
67 Deluxe
Dry suspension
1293cc, 11:1 comp, RE 282 camshaft, 45 Weber, extractors etc
4 synchro close ratio gbox
Cooper S brakes, no booster
Stealth box, as Doc says "goes harder and idles!"
RH tank cos I needed it crossing the Nullarbor etc..

Yes, you really need to take care. Let the paint get well cured. Again lubrication is the trick. Thoroughly clean and smooth out the inside of the trim with fine sandpaper. Add grease to the inside of the trim and the window frame. The trim should then "press" into position with a bit of effort.

Thanks all. I'll have a go but at the end of the day if it's too difficult might give it a miss...

I'm an amateur and did it as above, didn't have any problem. Light tap with a block of wood and hammer with door lying down on its side. Tapped stainless on the very edge and it came off without any damage to trim or door. The narrow edge of the smaller bit of wood is what I used.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Looks very much like a piece of left-over Colonial profile skirting from your house renovations. Nice.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Haha, it was a sample of the one we didn't use. Interesting point though is that it isn't a hard wood so didn't damage stainless!

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Thanks all. Yes, I got them off without too much difficulty, small piece of meranti and I used a spatula also to get behind and under the edge. I think though as people have said, getting it on may be more difficult!

I am dreading putting my doors back together. I think I stripped them down too far, back to the bare shell but Dr Mini assures me it will all be OK when the time comes!

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

I'm contemplating the getting the painter to put them back on, that way its his responsibility!