taking off the crome for paint

[jamon8]

I do not want to damage the crome on my 82 grand prix and was wondering how to get the chrome off the bottom of the car and around the tops of the door and the chrome around the top

thanks

 

[jerrycad472]

The chrome panels along the lower doors and body are generally held on with vertical plastic clips or brackets that are attached to the body under the chrome every 6-8 inches (that is approximate). The chrome hangs on the top of the bracket and the bottom of the bracket has some springy prongs that hold the chrome in place. If you push the chrome up, there by compressing the springy prongs, you can pull the out on the top of the chrome and it will come off the top of the braket. They should come off relatively easy. Some of the pieces may have a couple of screws as well, but those are easy to see.

I think in order to remove the drip rail chrome that runs above the window and down the A-pillar, you first have to remove the brackets or channels that hold the window seals. Its been a while since I took mine apart, so hopefully someone can double check me. To remove the window seals you first have to loosen them at the botton near where the door and window meet. Those ends usually have either screws or plastic push fasteners. Carefully remove those and watch for spots that may be glued down so you don't tear it. Once the ends are loose the seals around the window are just pushed into grooves in the channels. Slowly remove them being careful not to tear them. Once the seals are out there are a couple of screws to remove the channels. then I think that exposes a couple of screws that hold the chrome in place. Its not difficult just take your time.

To remove the window trim, there are spring clips every 4-6 inches that are riveted to the roof. The outer edge of the Chrome is pinched between the Roof and the Spring Clip. They make a trim removal tool that is real thin. It lays on the glass and you run it under the chrome. When you come to a clip, you use the tool to pull on it and release the chrome. The tools are available at most autoparts stores. I saw a three piece set at Sears the other day as well.

 

[pontiacgp]

to remove the chrome piece for the door/window weather stripping you have to remove the door window to remove the screws...

 

[GP403]

to remove the chrome piece for the door/window weather stripping you have to remove the door window to remove the screws...

I answered this in the other thread 😀 You don't actually have to remove the glass, just roll it down...

there's that one screw that's sort of covered up by the glass, but you can get to it with the right tools and/or if you're creative. I did this on mine to swap the sill chrome out. Either an angle screwdriver or a screwgun bit with a wrench and you can get it out. take your time and it'll work.

 

[pontiacgp]

^^^...so where were you when I was taking my windows out...lol

good tip...it wasn't difficult getting the window out but I put in new stripping so sliding the window back in without damaging the stripping wasn't easy...