Removing the stainless trim for painting

RunThruDaJungle

RunThruDaJungle

Sharpest Tool
All-Star
Feb 26, 2022
477
SoCal
First Name
Stuart
Willys Model
  1. Wagon
Willys Year:
  1. 1962
Does anyone have a suggestion for how to safely remove the exterior chrome trim from my '62 Traveller? The vehicle has been repainted without removing the trim. I can see bits of the original green underneath and there is some rust that I'd like to take care of. I have the door panel off and can see the type of clips that are holding it on but they are a bit rusty. I've applied quite a bit of pressure with trim removal tools but I'm afraid of ripping out the holes in the body or damaging something on the strips.
IMG_5905.jpeg
I am planning to woodgrain the frames and panels and reapply the chrome. An NO, that is not a sample of my woodgraining! I am testing colors and patterns. That graining is badly botched lol.

IMG_5904.jpeg

I've tried pinching these clips... They are really stuck.

Thanks in advance!
 
Each clip needs to be soaked in a penetrating fluid, inside and out. Let it sit, for days if 'need be.
Then using a set of simple slip joint pliers carefully squeeze the inner ears. Tedious but the only way.
Don't even try to pry them off from the outside!
Replace with a little smear of antiseize on the ears, then a dab of clear silicone on the inside to keep the holes somewhat water resistant.
On spot where you have no choice but to pry off is the tailgate. Again, soak for days and use plastic body clip removers
Harbor Freight sell usable ones
 
Tralehead said:
Each clip needs to be soaked in a penetrating fluid, inside and out. Let it sit, for days if 'need be.
Then using a set of simple slip joint pliers carefully squeeze the inner ears. Tedious but the only way.
Don't even try to pry them off from the outside!
Replace with a little smear of antiseize on the ears, then a dab of clear silicone on the inside to keep the holes somewhat water resistant.
On spot where you have no choice but to pry off is the tailgate. Again, soak for days and use plastic body clip removers
Harbor Freight sell usable ones
Click to expand...
Hey thanks! Glad I stopped when I did! And fortunately I don’t have them on a tailgate since I don’t have a tailgate.
 
Was able to remove the chrome strips without any damage (had a close call with one of my fingers tho) after hitting the clips a few times with PB Blaster and leaving overnight. The side quarter panel one were easy once I got the wood paneling off and removed the 3/4 in insulation which meant I had to remove this spare tire mount! IMG_5908.jpeg

An aside: I don't think this spare tire carrier is original, is it? I see the evidence of the roof spare tire mount that these Travellers came with--Did they all come that way? I'm trying to decide if I want to sell this carrier or modify it so my wheels will fit. At present they don't.
IMG_5909.jpeg
I do like this school bus yellow, but that original color is my favorite.
 
Has anyone attempted (succeeded or not ) to remove the wire clips that fasten the the chrome strips I just removed. I’d like to soak them in Rust Dissolver. I’m sure it would involve bending the chrome lip.
image.jpg
 
RunThruDaJungle said:
Has anyone attempted (succeeded or not ) to remove the wire clips that fasten the the chrome strips I just removed. I’d like to soak them in Rust Dissolver. I’m sure it would involve bending the chrome lip.
View attachment 148369
Click to expand...
First of all, it's stainless steel trim, not chrome. The only chrome piece was the cowl angle if you have the hockey stick trim.
Secondly, the clips should slide out through the notches shown in the end of the trim piece.
 
Stakebed said:
Secondly, the clips should slide out through the notches shown in the end of the trim piece.
Click to expand...
No, these don't just slide out of those notches... it looks like they should but they won't unless you bend something. What looks easiest to me is to bend the lip up a bit of the STAINLESS right next to the notch. I hate bending things that aren't supposed to be bent.
 
Most or all of the clips can be accessed from inside the vehicle with interior panels removed. The tips of the clips can be squeezed together with a plier and pushed out of their holes. It can be helpful to lightly lubricate the clips and to have someone on the outside gently pulling and catching.
 
I'm not sure those look like mine. I’d have to check but I’m just thinking mine at the end make an X. But these look like a loop. Don’t have access to mine right now. Anyone else post a pic?
 
mickeykelley said:
I'm not sure those look like mine. I’d have to check but I’m just thinking mine at the end make an X. But these look like a loop.
Click to expand...
Mine make an X at the end where— the part that is inserted in the body panel. Can’t see it with the photo angle.
 
I did rotate mine out and many were so rusty they just broke in the corners. That stainless holds water in the bottom tray. When I reassemble mine, I will use body putty at each hole to prevent water from entering the door and cab
 
You can carefully drill a 1/16 hole in the lower lip to let the water drain out, drill toward the body side so the hole is not seen from the outside, Willy's had their head up there a in the design of the trim...Phil
 
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