70 Challenger Convertible Well Trim Molding Removal

[schlett7nu1]

All
I'm looking to remove the three piece well trim moldings and have them polished.  The car is a 70 Challenger.  Please provide guidance on how to disengage the retainers from the three trim pieces without damaging the clips, trim, or body paint.  Is there a special tool to assist in this?  Anyone with experience doing this job who could provide guidance would be appreciated.
thanks
Dereck

[1 Wild R/T]

The side pieces are screwed on from underneath, 4-5 screws per side.....  The center piece is secured with clips...  I use a short 2x4 & a hammer go slow, bump it move bump it move... After 3-4 passes across the trim should slide right off....

[anlauto]

With the top in the down position, it might still be difficult to get a good grip on the screws for the side pieces  I've always removed/installed the trim with the roof off the car.

[schlett7nu1]

I appreciate the great info.  I didn't realize there were underside screws on the side pieces.  I feel a slight protrusion of the screw heads.  They are buried under sealant/dum-dum.  I'll retract the top and locally clean off the sealant.  Thanks for the guidance.  I'll post how it goes.

[1 Wild R/T]

I've done it top on & top off... The dum-dum is a pain but it keeps the screw heads from digging into the top.....   If leaving the top on the tool of choice is....

[schlett7nu1]

Got it.  I'll pick up the stubby screw drivers.
thanks

[FC7 cuda]

How did it work out for you?

[schlett7nu1]

Once I cleaned off the factory dumdum the stubby phillips head screwdriver worked to remove all the screws. I had one screw on the LH side that was seized in the trim retainer from corrosion.  I had to slide the trim off that retainer and then cut the screw off. I had 6 months worth of Wisconsin winter to finish the job. I took my time.

[Jay Bee]

How did you get the straight middle section off? Did the 2x4 tapping/moving method that was posted work?

[schlett7nu1]

Yes, the 2x4 tapping method worked. I also had to use the 2x4 tapping method on the reinstalled side pieces to ensure proper engagement overlap with the horizontal piece.  It was the only way to get the chrome end pieces installed.