Window trim removal 74 challenger..Help • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **boosted** » 09 May 2008 12:07

New to the forum here and I hate to start off with a question but I need to. I am starting my revitalization of my 74 and need to pull the vinyl top off. I do not know how the trim comes off on this car. It looks to be very well set around the windows.

Would someone offer up some information on removing the trim without destroying it? I also need to remove the vinyl top trim..

Thanks allot in advance...

by **dave-r** » 09 May 2008 13:04

The trim pushes down into clips that are screwed in after the vinyl top has been installed. Start at one end try to get a very thin screwdriver into the side of each clip to release the trim.

There is a correct trim removing tool to do this but I have never needed it.

The vinyl itself will rip off in sheets.

by **David** » 09 May 2008 13:07

Here is what the clips looked like on mine if this is any help.

by **dave-r** » 09 May 2008 13:10

That looks nothing like the clips on my '70 model. :shock:

by **dave-r** » 09 May 2008 13:19

You can just see my clips in this photo.

by **boosted** » 09 May 2008 13:48

Well I know this is going to sound dumb... but, how do you know where the clips are to press them in? My trim looks like a big solid pc with some covers over where they join together...

by **Moparman1972** » 09 May 2008 13:54

If you're talking about the side window trim (driver/passenger windows), you have to remove the rubber for the top window seal. Theres a screw at the front of the door, and then you just pull the rubber out carefully. Then theres screws all along the length of the trim underneath the rubber to remove it. No clips.

For the windshield and rear window trim, I went around gently prying underneath the chrome with a small flatblade screwdriver to find the clips.

by **boosted** » 09 May 2008 14:22

ahhh.. I have a better outlook now on that.. What about the pc of trim that is at the vinyl top to the rear 1/4 panel? Does it just pop off?

I have a guy setup to soda blast the car next week and need to get this done befor ehe gets here.. And I really do not want to have to buy new stuff as mine looks real good..

thanks for the very quick replies..

by **dave-r** » 09 May 2008 15:44

You should be able to feel where the clips are as you pry the trim forward.

But be gentle. I don't think anyone makes this trim and good straight used items are getting hard to find.

by **David** » 11 May 2008 15:13

Sorry, I thought he was speaking of the trim between body and top, not window, my bad.

by **dave-r** » 11 May 2008 16:11

The quarter panel/vinyl top trim is bolted in from the other side on the earlier models. Not sure about the later ones?