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Has anyone ever had success removing the B-pillar outside trims on 4ESs? Mine is riddled with scratches, dings, and what not. I just want it restored to its piano black finish. Also notice the front door top chrome trim end is not quite flushed towards the car's body with the rear door's chrome trim. Tried pressing on that protrusion by hand and there was a little give, could it be this chrome trim was not properly riveted to the door frame? How can this be fixed? Thanks.
but I'm worried that the added thickness of these covers would just make the little protrusion a bit more pronounced. How thick are these covers anyway?
The vinyl should be thick enough to make it look a lot better. About 10 bucks worth from ebay will be enough. The dedicated covers may look better and will be a lot easier at 44 bucks. Post a pic if you go with them
I have some chrome B pillar covers i tried, never ended up using them, but the thickness is not an issue.
Just a heads up, if you do decide to replace the plastic pillars, you'll need new clips. (from the dealer) the old clips won't be usable once you remove the pillar trims.
Okay, if I do the vinyl, shall I bondo the little dents first so when somebody presses on the wrap the depressions won't show?
It's a good thing you didn't go with the chrome covers -- I never liked them -- chrome pillars on a black car make it look like a hearse.
Re the pics, will do.
PFB:
Are those black pillars (in the photos) plastic? Really??? Correct me if I'm wrong but they look and feel like sheet metal to me, and it looks like they are part of the door frame. If you've done this before, please show me how to do it. Thanks.
I've never ad to do it, but I do remember reading several posts with pictures as to how it's done. Basically you have to push them up in order to disengage them. And once they one out, the clips holding them re no longer usable.
If you do a search on this forum, you'll find the DIY info on how to do it.
Here is one write that may help! There are several others.
Bondo or other filler and a very very fine grit sanding followed by a wipe with acetone will provide your best chance at a smooth appearance and proper adhesion.
I've never ad to do it, but I do remember reading several posts with pictures as to how it's done. Basically you have to push them up in order to disengage them. And once they one out, the clips holding them re no longer usable.
If you do a search on this forum, you'll find the DIY info on how to do it.
Here is one write that may help! There are several others.
I appreciate your inputs but we're talking about a 4ES here, Phil, not a 3ES. The pillar trims on these models are totally different in terms of their method of attachment. On the 4ES, they are attached to the doors whereas on the 3ES it is attached to the body frame.
I have searched high and low on the internet and I haven't found a single video or even a forum thread about a B-pillar trim removal on a 4ES -- zilch -- nada -- which only means that it's non-removable, and it really is a bummer because you have to get the whole door panel just to replace that part.
Bondo or other filler and a very very fine grit sanding followed by a wipe with acetone will provide your best chance at a smooth appearance and proper adhesion.
12-10-15, 10:18 PM
'02 ES300 Exterior B-Pillar Trim Removal
