How to replace B Pillar trim?
07-22-2010, 06:28 PM
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'05 S430 4MATIC Sport, 2009 GT Zaskar MTB
How to replace B Pillar trim?
The little plastic piece on my driver's B pillar trim is broken off. I asked in the dealer and they said I have to replace the whole trim which is about $70. Does anyone have an idea how to replace this trim piece?
07-22-2010, 06:49 PM
#2
most body shops and even auto parts stores have self adhesive black trim that can closely match this,
use an exacto knife to cut away the remainder and apply a new piece
use an exacto knife to cut away the remainder and apply a new piece
07-22-2010, 07:23 PM
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'05 S430 4MATIC Sport, 2009 GT Zaskar MTB
The plastic piece is not glued. It's a single piece covered by the glossy trim. I don't mind buying the part from the dealer. I'm trying to see if someone knows how to remove the trim.
07-23-2010, 12:30 AM
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2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
The "B" pillar trim is held on by an extremely strong double-sided tape. Just pull it off from the top (I used a chisel, wrapped in cloth, and inserted it at the top, where the missing plastic piece should go). You will destroy the old trim piece in the process.
The hard part is getting rid of the tape residue - it is REALLY tough stuff, and all of it must be removed or the new piece will not fit properly. I used all kinds of stuff - mainly "Goop-Off" (Goof - Off?) adhesive and glue remover, and fingernail polish remover (acetone).
Just be careful when installing the new piece. It inserts between the door and the window trim at the bottom, and you'll only have one chance to get it right. Position it and get it into place (for practice) before removing the paper that covers the tape on the new piece.
The hard part is getting rid of the tape residue - it is REALLY tough stuff, and all of it must be removed or the new piece will not fit properly. I used all kinds of stuff - mainly "Goop-Off" (Goof - Off?) adhesive and glue remover, and fingernail polish remover (acetone).
Just be careful when installing the new piece. It inserts between the door and the window trim at the bottom, and you'll only have one chance to get it right. Position it and get it into place (for practice) before removing the paper that covers the tape on the new piece.
Last edited by Skylaw; 07-23-2010 at 12:35 AM.
08-02-2010, 11:48 AM
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'05 S430 4MATIC Sport, 2009 GT Zaskar MTB
The "B" pillar trim is held on by an extremely strong double-sided tape. Just pull it off from the top (I used a chisel, wrapped in cloth, and inserted it at the top, where the missing plastic piece should go). You will destroy the old trim piece in the process.
The hard part is getting rid of the tape residue - it is REALLY tough stuff, and all of it must be removed or the new piece will not fit properly. I used all kinds of stuff - mainly "Goop-Off" (Goof - Off?) adhesive and glue remover, and fingernail polish remover (acetone).
Just be careful when installing the new piece. It inserts between the door and the window trim at the bottom, and you'll only have one chance to get it right. Position it and get it into place (for practice) before removing the paper that covers the tape on the new piece.
The hard part is getting rid of the tape residue - it is REALLY tough stuff, and all of it must be removed or the new piece will not fit properly. I used all kinds of stuff - mainly "Goop-Off" (Goof - Off?) adhesive and glue remover, and fingernail polish remover (acetone).
Just be careful when installing the new piece. It inserts between the door and the window trim at the bottom, and you'll only have one chance to get it right. Position it and get it into place (for practice) before removing the paper that covers the tape on the new piece.
By the way, thanks a lot for the detailed desription.
Last edited by legatolimo; 08-02-2010 at 11:53 AM.
08-25-2010, 01:09 AM
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2000 S500
You might try fishing line tied to something on both sides (so as not to cut you hands) and "saw" back and forth to "cut" the double sided tape. Then you have the chore of removing all the tape. I put black electrical tape on mine (the little piece of rubber on top) as an optical correction till the replacement piece is installed (my car is brilliant silver) and I have actually forgot to replace it. Now that I read your thread, I'll have to get on the internet to get a replacement piece myself.
