Door Molding Removal & Reinstallation

[mvibe2006]

I own a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. A few months ago I parked my Vibe too close to the curb. When my passenger opened the front passenger door to get into the car, he lodged the bottom corner of the door into a grassed embankment. After he sat down, his additional weight caused the corner of the door to get stuck in the grass, which prevented him from closing the door in the normal manner. To dislodge the door, he gave the door handle a firm tug, which dislodged the door from grass, but also dislodged part of the bottom plastic molding from the door. Three of the molding clips are no longer holding the molding onto the door. I think that I can re-mount the molding into the clips, but I need to first entirely remove the molding from the door. It appears that the clips are slotted, so I’m guessing that the molding can be popped off at the leading edge, and then slid backwards toward its trailing edge to remove it. But since I cannot find a diagram of how the molding is attached to the door, I cannot be certain if my hypothesis is correct, and I do not want to damage the molding any further when I remove it from the door. It also appears that the molding may also have an adhesive to help hold it in place.

Are there any members who can describe how best to remove the molding, and then re-install it from the door?

[lannvouivre]

You're right about it mostly. You need to remove the trim from a 3M tape strip at the top, but the slots reverse directions. You can get some trim removal tools and pop the clips out one at a time. They can rip the slots off the door, so be careful. Try and use metal trim pullers or a nail pulling tool, and then just touch up paint as needed to prevent rust if you damage it.

[mvibe2006]

Thank you for your prompt response to my inquiry. Are you aware of any diagrams on the Internet that might help describe how the molding is attached to the door?

[lannvouivre]

Thank you for your prompt response to my inquiry. Are you aware of any diagrams on the Internet that might help describe how the molding is attached to the door?

I used to have a picture, but apparently I was cute and smart and just deleted it. Had all the trim off my car. Anyway, if you look under the trim that's popped off, you can see how the clips are all the way down the door, but the slots reverse direction halfway. You can pop the clips out of the metal part from the bottom, as the 3M tape is only at the top of the trim to keep it flush. The plastic is very flexible and you can probably pop out the clip from the metal and slot it into the trim, then slap it back into place. I think each clip is spaced 6" horizontally and they alternate like so top to bottom: - _ - _- if we pretend my dashes are the clips. I was able to fix my trim without pulling it off previously when my BF did what your passenger did

I'd look for diagrams right now, but have been coughing up a lung on top of all the other little problems I've had over the past hour and am losing my temper and sanity.

[mvibe2006]

Thanks. I hope that you're feeling better real soon. Please look for a diagram if time permits - it would surely help.