Body

Replacing side molding

~1min read
  • Apply one strip of masking tape above and one below the side molding, close to it. This protects the paint during removal. It also makes it easier to install a new side molding.

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  • Heat one end of the side molding to approx.

    300 °C with a hot-air gun to soften the adhesive bond.

    Then pull the side molding off the body with pliers, piece by piece, evenly. Warm each section to be removed beforehand.

  • Wash off residues of the adhesive bond with denatured alcohol and let the bonding area dry.

  • Hold the new side molding in place for a trial fit and align it.

    The gap to the outer body edges should be approx. 2 mm. Tape the side molding to the door and check that the door opens without obstruction. Mark the installation position of the side molding with tape.

  • Clean the bonding surface of the new side molding with denatured alcohol to degrease it.

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  • Apply Betaseal adhesive or an equivalent product to the side molding in even spacing, so that the previously masked areas on the body are not touched again.

  • Align the side molding exactly to the tape on the body and press it firmly into place.

  • To improve adhesion, press the side molding along its entire length with a suitable wooden or plastic hand roller.

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  • Fix the side molding with tape as shown in the illustration and let the adhesive cure.

Caution: after bonding, do not move the vehicle for at least 3 hours and do not return it to service until approx. 24 hours later.
  • Remove the masking tape.

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