Trick to removing chrome trim???

I recently purchased a '55 Chrysler New Yorker that I'm building into a 300 clone. Part of the conversion consists of changing the chrome side moldings out. Is there a special tool to release the retaining clips without having to completely remove the clips?

 

Well on a 55 De Soto I used a putty knife....

 

Remove the two center prongs off a steel fork. File the tips down to slide under the trim. Gently wiggle up and down side to side. Most of the time the clips will stay with the chrome when removed. I saved a couple of bucks. Putty knife is a great idea too.

 

the amount of money you'll save trying to salvage the clips is not worth the time and effort to do, especially when you consider you MIGHT save one in four... i'd be more worried about the stainless myself

 

Might try to find out what the clips look like before you try to remove the chrome so you have a general idea of how/where to pry.

 

not familiar with those cars but a lot of clips need to be removed from the inside of the car where there is a little nut.

 

If you can access the panel from inside,...you can push them thru,..And if they have nuts on all of them, you'll need to check it out.

4TTRUK

 

I'd be tempted to strip any interior and look behind the trim first. If clips grab some pliers and squeeze the clip and gently push the clip out the hole. Seen way too many trims rooted as they were bolted and someone tried prizing them off. Not only screwing the trim but denting the bodywork where they were prying.

Good luck

 

Well a thin putty knife has worked the best so far. Going nice and easy so I don't damage the trim or the body. There are two different types of clips on this thing and the larger type certainly puts up more of a fight. Some of the clips do have 1/4" 24 retaining nuts on the back side and some don't.

The '55 New Yorkers have two horizontal stainless trim pieces down the sides, where as the 300's and Windsors only have one. Now I have to weld up all the holes where the lower piece was mounted. Thanks to all for the help.

BTW nice avatar gasolinescream

I tried to post a few pictures but they're not going thru tonight for some reason.

 

A few pictures