Has anyone ever removed this moulding?
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C230
Has anyone ever removed this moulding?
I am trying to remove the black anodized metal molding that is on the door exterior at the bottom of the window. It holds the rubber "scraper" molding against the window, and is a water seal as well, I assume.
I have a plastic tool that I can get under the bottom of the molding to try and pry it up to remove, but I can see about 5 or 6 metal clips that I don't know how to make them release the molding.
If you have ever had experience in this removal, any comment would be appreciated.
I have a plastic tool that I can get under the bottom of the molding to try and pry it up to remove, but I can see about 5 or 6 metal clips that I don't know how to make them release the molding.
If you have ever had experience in this removal, any comment would be appreciated.
Last edited by ptcruiser; Jul 4, 2014 at 10:53 AM. Reason: Spelling
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
Use a tool that will push the molding straight up. I generally pry from the inside out. The rubber wiper strip is a separate piece. The clips have "barbs" so they grip tightly but with careful force the molding will slide upward.
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C230
Moulding
Vince,
Thanks for the reply. If you don't mind, I will send you a couple of photos before I start to "Reef" on it, just to be sure I have got it right. Your explanation was clear, but those clips are tough and I don't want to bend the exterior molding by pulling too hard.
At the end of the molding, there appears to be a cap that seems to seal the end of the weather strip when installed. I tried to use a small screwdriver to see if it would pop off, but no luck.
Do you have an email address I can send the photos to?
Regards
Brian Wilson
Thanks for the reply. If you don't mind, I will send you a couple of photos before I start to "Reef" on it, just to be sure I have got it right. Your explanation was clear, but those clips are tough and I don't want to bend the exterior molding by pulling too hard.
At the end of the molding, there appears to be a cap that seems to seal the end of the weather strip when installed. I tried to use a small screwdriver to see if it would pop off, but no luck.
Do you have an email address I can send the photos to?
Regards
Brian Wilson
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 789
Likes: 55
From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
I'm sorry but I no longer have a W202 here at the house. My son who bought my 2000 C280 and his younger brother, who owns a C43, both live about 200 miles away.
I will do my best to describe the process. There is a vertical flange at the top of the door skin. The clips clamp onto that flange. The molding has a vertical "fin" that slips down into the receiving part of the clip. The clips have barbs on both the part that clamps onto the door flange and the molding fin. The barbs are quite sharp and will actually dig into the metal of the door skin and the molding fin. I usually slip a plastic wedge between the bottom outside edge of the molding and then pry upward under the horizontal inner edge of the molding using a door trim removal tool (link - http://store.snapon.com/Upholstery-a...e-P641978.aspx ). I point the business end of the tool outward through the open window and pry upward, helping it along with the outside wedge. Using the two tools helps to keep the pressure upward, not twisting the molding. Start at one end, usually the rear is best to start. Alos, try to look under the outside lower edge of the molding to see where the clips are located. It helps to pry near the clips. The molding is pretty strong and I never damaged one.
The window seal attaches in a similar way. The seal and the molding are independent pieces.
By the way, the cap at the rear end of the molding just closes off the extrusion. It has no other function.
If you still feel the need you can send me photos via a PM.
I will do my best to describe the process. There is a vertical flange at the top of the door skin. The clips clamp onto that flange. The molding has a vertical "fin" that slips down into the receiving part of the clip. The clips have barbs on both the part that clamps onto the door flange and the molding fin. The barbs are quite sharp and will actually dig into the metal of the door skin and the molding fin. I usually slip a plastic wedge between the bottom outside edge of the molding and then pry upward under the horizontal inner edge of the molding using a door trim removal tool (link - http://store.snapon.com/Upholstery-a...e-P641978.aspx ). I point the business end of the tool outward through the open window and pry upward, helping it along with the outside wedge. Using the two tools helps to keep the pressure upward, not twisting the molding. Start at one end, usually the rear is best to start. Alos, try to look under the outside lower edge of the molding to see where the clips are located. It helps to pry near the clips. The molding is pretty strong and I never damaged one.
The window seal attaches in a similar way. The seal and the molding are independent pieces.
By the way, the cap at the rear end of the molding just closes off the extrusion. It has no other function.
If you still feel the need you can send me photos via a PM.
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C230
Closing my eyes, I can picture it perfectly, When I initially started to pry up from the outside, I managed to see the clips, so I know what your talking about.
I was hoping for plastic clips, but Mercedes always has a surprise.
If I am successful, I will let you know.
I do appreciate you help and description.
Regards
Brian Wilson
I was hoping for plastic clips, but Mercedes always has a surprise.
If I am successful, I will let you know.
I do appreciate you help and description.
Regards
Brian Wilson
