Body side trim molding

[Mikey Likes It]

Not sure if that's the technical term or not but my Z has this metal trim running the length of the car (see pic). Haven't seen many Z's with this and was wondering if this was a dealer option or not. If it was not a dealer option, I'll likely want to remove them. Has anyone done this? Are there holes behind the trim from the installation?

[Ed]

From what I've learned is that they are a dealer intalled option. That's why they all look different. They are installed with small sheetmetal screws. If you remove yours you will more than likely have to paint. I removed mine and welded the holes.

[MikeW]

There are more than likely screws or rivets holding them on. You can easily verify this by removing the black rubber part from the silver channel. The fasteners will then be visible and if you then decide not to remove them you can just re-install the black part.

[EScanlon]

If you do choose to remove them, you will probably find that the paint below has been scratched and weathered such that you will need to repaint. Just a thought to think about.

Also, to seal the holes you don't necessarily have to WELD them shut. Although welding or brazing are the best methods to close up holes in the metal, sometimes they can be prohibitive as far as time and cost due to the care required to not warp the sheet metal. You can solder them closed without too much damage to the surrounding metal (other than the paint removal and acid etch).

If you do decide to remove them, would you let me know if you would be willing to sell/ship the old pieces to me?

Enrique

[hls30.com]

Enrique,

I think I have a set of the rails and ends-I know I pitched the inserts. If I do, they are yours if you want them.

Will

[Mikey Likes It]

The car will be painted somewhere down the road. The Arizona sun did a number on the original paint. I just haven't decided whether to do the original brown or change to a different, "sportier" 72 240z color.

I'm just beginning to think about the different possiblities and directions I could go. I don't know if I'll ever really decide. :classic: