Paint Break Molding Removal

[Steeveedee]

I took the 43-year old camper shell off my truck, as it was toast. I have a new one ordered and will get it installed in January. While the shell is off, I can get at the cab back, and I want to repaint the entire cab roof. So, the question- does the paint break molding just snap on? If so, can I safely pop it off? I suspect that it has those plastic clips, but don't know for sure.

It's a lot lighter on its feet with the shell gone, and everything else out of the bed. I should do a smoke test.

[Steeveedee]

No one else has taken this molding off?

[samkost]

Yes, they will just pop off the plastic tabs holding the paint divider trim.
Carefully just pry up the bottom edge of the trim.
Don't take to big of a bite so not to bend the trim.
I used a plastic putty style knife just sharp enough to get under the piece.
I started at the driver side and worked to the center.
Here is a photo of the tab locations for reference.
Good luck

[Grumpy old man]

A sharpened wood paint stick will let yo easily loosen (pop) off the 2 end clips closest to the door then slowly SLIDE THE TRIM OFF THE OTHER CLIPS to avoid bending the trim taking care not to drop the center trim cover .

[Steeveedee]

Thanks guys! I sort of figured those were the little plastic clips, but I'd sure hate to damage that trim. I'm not doing it today, we are getting some most welcome rain down here in southern Cal.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by samkost

Yes, they will just pop off the plastic tabs holding the paint divider trim.
Carefully just pry up the bottom edge of the trim.
Don't take to big of a bite so not to bend the trim.
I used a plastic putty style knife just sharp enough to get under the piece.
I started at the driver side and worked to the center.
Here is a photo of the tab locations for reference.
Good luck

I like your truck. That's the same paint scheme as mine came from the factory with. I'm going to return it to that scheme after I fix some lower body panel damage (not real bad, just a crease).

[67chevy_hotrod]

Samkost! Is that hugger orange 71/72 on Maryann off of south Tapps??? I think I grew up admiring that pickup!! (Sorry for the thread hijack) I lived right there if that's where I think it is

[samkost]

Yes Sir, that me.
It's getting assembled now after paint.

[67chevy_hotrod]

No kidding!! I have rode my bike by that house since I was about 10! Then it turned into that loud 67 longbed in primer black. Moved to the north side of the lake, haven't been by in a while. A few times I almost knocked on the door to ask about a closer look! Looks beautiful! I hope I get to see it after it's all wrapped up. Small world!

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I have a new one ordered and will get it installed in January.

Hi, can you please tell us about the shell you have on order? What will it look like and what brand/model/type are you getting?

[Steeveedee]

Woops- just saw this. Sorry for the delay. Bel-Air Shells in Garden Grove, CA. They are about 70 miles from me, so I drove the truck to them to make sure the measurements were made.

http://belairshells.com/wood-n-alum

I'm getting the Model C16 with black accents (what the wife wanted). I'm thinking that that might be too much contrast, but they didn't have orange. Some other outfit manufactures them. Let's wait and see if that company's name on it somewhere. I found out that they don't build them there after I ordered it. Had I known that, I would have dug around a little and possibly saved some money. I'm so tight I squeak when I walk!

[dmjlambert]

That is great! It look like they have quite a good assortment. That C16 is pretty neat the way it has the back door within the bigger back door. It should look quite nice on your truck.

[Steeveedee]

Thanks! I wanted that feature for sure so that I can bring home plywood. The old one opened like that; I found out when I started gutting the old shell. The new one has those prop struts, too.

Now, I have to get the roof repainted, and it's cold and windy when it ain't raining. Probably have to clean out my mother in law's garage to do this.