I'm prepping my 93 Dakota LE extended cab for paint and before I get too ham fisted and mess up something I need some guidance. Along the roof line from the door opening to the back of the cab above the side windows is a body colored trim piece. How does this come off so that paint prep can happen under it? Is it just molding clips or is it attached from inside under the headliner?
Don

 

I'm prepping my 93 Dakota LE extended cab for paint and before I get too ham fisted and mess up something I need some guidance. Along the roof line from the door opening to the back of the cab above the side windows is a body colored trim piece. How does this come off so that paint prep can happen under it? Is it just molding clips or is it attached from inside under the headliner?
Don

 

On the inside?

Remove the rear B column covers, the ones with the seat belt and the speakers.

Pop out the rear clip pin.

After that, GENTLY pull the trim towards the back of the truck.

Cuss because one of the clips broke ANYWAY.

I suggest now is a great time to put new weatherstrip back in; those two clip pieces up front (the ones bolted in) come out to swap out the weatherstripping, so a good time to do that.

RwP

 

The inside trim, or trim outside?

If trim outside, can you include a picture?

RwP

 

Thanks for the reply RwP. Actually I am talking about the narrow strip on the outside between the back side window and the roof. Starts at the back upper corner of the door frame and goes to the back window. I just don't want to start prying and mess it up if there is a trick to it or if it isn't meant to come off.

 

Thanks for the reply RwP. Actually I am talking about the narrow strip on the outside between the back side window and the roof. Starts at the back upper corner of the door frame and goes to the back window. I just don't want to start prying and mess it up if there is a trick to it or if it isn't meant to come off.

 

 

According to the parts manual (downloadable from the FAQ), check out page 23-325. I think that's part 1, held in by a retainer 2 that is held in by a nut 3.

There may be a nut inside, visible after removing the head liner.

I'll take a look at my headlinerless truck tomorrow and see if I can see it.

RwP

 

Thanks RwP. I'll wait to hear back since I would hate to remove the headliner if not necessary since it was replaced about two years ago as the old one was falling. Hopefully that will not be necessary. Guess I need to download that manual. My aftermarket manual does not address this at all.

 

IIRC those trims are held in by pressed metal nuts so the stud coming into the body is likely plastic, as is the trim. If I'm right, and it's been a while since I looked at those, be very careful when you go to undo the nuts because the plastic studs will break off.

Steve