Molding Removal

parker22 · 07-17-2008, 04:20 AM

How do you remove the molding from the back of the cab on a 1986 GMC.

I'm sure there is a special tool; however, is there a trick to doing it without the tool.

Thanks

gmctrucks · 07-17-2008, 05:28 AM

I seen this guy did the same thing I have no clue other than using a tool.

chengny · 07-19-2008, 10:46 PM

Which molding piece are you trying to remove? The three piece "cab back panel molding"? Consists of the two L shaped corners and the long one that runs under the back window. I am deep (some would say over my head) into the restoration process of an 86 Sierra Classic and may be able to help.

I mean that I have a lot of things open right now and could look around.

Just a suggestion:

From inside the cab, with your left hand, reach up under the RH (drivers side) pillar molding (if it exists) and you will find the nut that fastens the corner piece in place. Remove the nut and the corner molding will easily fall off into your right hand.

At this point, you should be able to sight down the back side of the transverse molding piece. There is a series of 5 clips - each consisting of two parts - running across the back of your cab. The forward half of the clip is screwed to the body and I imagine that the after (rear) half just snaps into the molding frame. It looks like the molding is designed to kind of hook over the top of the clips and then snap onto the bottom edge.

If you do a good pre-lube and a gentle tap along the length of the transverse molding (with the corner removed) you might even be able to just wiggle/slide it sideways and clear of the cab. This will eliminate any pinch marks or bends as would be expected trying to unfasten the clips from the back of the molding and also give you open access to the clips themselves.

Good luck, take your time and don't scram the molding pieces - they are getting wicked hard to find. As the price of steel ramps up - the salvage yards are crushing huge amounts of older heavy trucks (read pre-1987 GMC). Along with the steel goes all that OEM trim that none of the catalog people can ever replace properly.

07-17-2008, 04:20 AM	#1
parker22 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 2	Molding Removal How do you remove the molding from the back of the cab on a 1986 GMC. I'm sure there is a special tool; however, is there a trick to doing it without the tool. Thanks

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07-17-2008, 05:28 AM	#2
gmctrucks Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 4,033	I seen this guy did the same thing I have no clue other than using a tool.

07-19-2008, 10:46 PM	#3
chengny Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: So. NH Posts: 197	Which molding piece are you trying to remove? The three piece "cab back panel molding"? Consists of the two L shaped corners and the long one that runs under the back window. I am deep (some would say over my head) into the restoration process of an 86 Sierra Classic and may be able to help. I mean that I have a lot of things open right now and could look around. Just a suggestion: From inside the cab, with your left hand, reach up under the RH (drivers side) pillar molding (if it exists) and you will find the nut that fastens the corner piece in place. Remove the nut and the corner molding will easily fall off into your right hand. At this point, you should be able to sight down the back side of the transverse molding piece. There is a series of 5 clips - each consisting of two parts - running across the back of your cab. The forward half of the clip is screwed to the body and I imagine that the after (rear) half just snaps into the molding frame. It looks like the molding is designed to kind of hook over the top of the clips and then snap onto the bottom edge. If you do a good pre-lube and a gentle tap along the length of the transverse molding (with the corner removed) you might even be able to just wiggle/slide it sideways and clear of the cab. This will eliminate any pinch marks or bends as would be expected trying to unfasten the clips from the back of the molding and also give you open access to the clips themselves. Good luck, take your time and don't scram the molding pieces - they are getting wicked hard to find. As the price of steel ramps up - the salvage yards are crushing huge amounts of older heavy trucks (read pre-1987 GMC). Along with the steel goes all that OEM trim that none of the catalog people can ever replace properly.