Replacing Split Upper Door Trim Molding

Discussion in 'Challenger DIY/Tech Info' started by SRT-Tom, Feb 10, 2013.

Car Parts
  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Here’s a quick and, hopefully, a permanent fix for split Upper Door Trim Molding (next to the front windows), for those of you out of warranty.

    You will need the following:

    3/8” black door edge molding Box Cutter
    Small Screwdriver
    Tape Measure
    Rubbing Alcohol
    Paper Towels

    Steps:

    1. Remove the door panel.
    2. Remove the staples on the lower side of the molding.
    3. Peel off about 12" of the tape, being careful not to put it against
    anything as it will stick fast. Start at the front of the panel at the notch
    (making sure the little part of the L of the molding is against the inside of
    the panel and the sticky part on top).
    4. Press down the molding keeping the little side against it. Work about 6" at
    a time, pressing down firmly and pulling out the red tape as you go.
    5. When you get to the end of the panel, you will have about an inch left
    over, cut it off firmly with the box cutter, being careful not to cut the
    door itself.

    The end result is molding that is a little taller than the original molding, but much more durable.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2015
  2. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I found a quicker and much easier way to do this repair.

    As an alternative to the time consuming task of removing the door panel, you can remove the molding by simply prying it in an upward motion, using an interior trim tool ($5.99 a set at Harbor Freight), to pop the small staples. (They come out real easy). Then, you just slide the new molding into place- it is a force fit. Now, since it is not rigidly held in place, it should not crack again. However, if you want to make it more secure (not necessary), you can glue the plastic molding into place with E6000 flexible adhesive. This process only took me about 3 minutes. There is absolutely no need to go to the dealer (unless under warranty), or to take the door panel off!

    The plastic window molding strips only cost about $10 can can be ordered from your dealer's Parts Dept.

    See the following photos:

    1. Original window molding (note small staples).
    2. Parts number for new molding.
    3. Interior trim pry bar (nylon) tool.
    4. E6000 adhesive (can be purchased at any craft store, like Michaels).
     

    Attached Files:

  3. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    The window/door trim has now cracked on my passenger door due to the severely cold winter weather.

    Now, it's time to pop off the cracked molding off and replace it.
     
  4. Shaggy

    Shaggy Well-Known Member Staff Member Administrator

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    Or move to a warmer weather state. :p
     
  5. Swiftjr

    Swiftjr Full Access Member

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    Last edited: Mar 17, 2015
  6. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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  7. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Here's is a tip. When you glue the trim, you can jam a small piece of piece of rubber tubing between the trim and window channel to hold it in place until the glue drys.
     
  8. 1968rt

    1968rt New Member

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    Just did this on my 2010 srt8. Took about 10 minutes total. Used no glue seems to be a tight fit. Thanks for the tips, it helped out a lot and saved time!
     
  9. PeetzRT

    PeetzRT Member

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