does anyone have any experience in removing the side moldings on a first gen?..how much body work is required

 

taking them off is easy. Do you want to leave it with the indentation, or do you want it smooth?

 

yes. Take them off, they don't help with door dings anyways. Get a hair dryer and some goof off or other residue remover. If you want to do a good job take your time pulling them off. They are just held on by two sided tape. Getting the residue off is the hardest part, but it will come off with lots of rubbing.

 

i would smooth them out most likely. what should i use for that....bondo?
wouldnt goof off mess up the paint underneath?

is it the same process to remove the moldings on the roof?

 

I would suggest having a body shop weld in metal and then repaint, thats the best way to do it, its a little thick for bondo, it will last for a while but will probally crack. But if you do use bondo, you have to sand where its gonna go otherwise it won't adhere.