[VT-VX] Removing Black Roof Trim.

[Ozzie]

This is a little "how to" i've thrown together with the help of this forum.

Ever wondered how to remove the black plastic trim on the roof of your VT-VX?
You may need to re-spray like I did?

This is how. :thumbsup:
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1. Lift the rubber up from the windscreen and place a blunt object underneath the black trim. (in my case I ued a screwdriver as shown below)

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2. Gently pry the trim upward enough to get your hand underneath.
Pulling up and tilting toward yourself at the same time to release it from its clips.

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3. When you have reached the rear windscreen, Slide the trim toward the front of your car. Soapy water may help to lubricate the track underneath.

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Finished result >

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To re-apply the trim, reverse these steps.

 

[GMHVF6]

nice simple write up mate, mine are all faded, what would you suggest to paint them with, i was thinking vinyl/plastic paint, or maybe just spray enaml would work

 

[Ozzie]

I'd recommend using some exterior plastic paint and plastic primer.

However I cheaply just used gloss black exterior paint which has worked wonders for my wipers ect...

 

[frozenfish]

thankyou for posting this.
I am in need of re-painting/spraying the side roof panels; the clear coat is peeling off!! (the hot weather doesn't help).

 

[TMM]

nice simple write up mate, mine are all faded, what would you suggest to paint them with, i was thinking vinyl/plastic paint, or maybe just spray enaml would work

You probably don't need to repaint them unless they are really badly sun damaged. vinyl conditioner should get them looking like new again.

 

[Ozzie]

Their actually rubber coated. But over the years the rubber coating goes hard and even in my case they crack.
I had to sand mine right back to remove the cracks, or even body filler will work.

 

[PaRaDoX]

Their actually rubber coated. But over the years the rubber coating goes hard and even in my case they crack.
I had to sand mine right back to remove the cracks, or even body filler will work.

wire brush on a drill works wonders.

I did my VT today, took about 1.5 hours, i used a wire brush on a drill G Clamped to a bench. I used plastidip instead of paint. When you reinstall you dont have to slide the entire thing back on, you slide the window section onto the runners then just press it in and it clips. its designed for easy reinstalling.

 

[edals]

Anyone Does this on a wagon ? Mine are both cracked, Assuming its the same just the strip is much much smaller due to the roof rack system.

 

[Dayvo]

I replaced mine today took me about 20 minutes. Got a pair from a VZ for $28 from the wreckers . Figured that was cheaper than buying primer and paint plus all the preparation .I also broke a couple of clips getting the old ones off .

 

[QldKev]

Thanks for the write up, respraying my car and this article made the job easy