What's the best way to get the trim off?

[Skunksmash]

I am trying to find out the best way to get the front end trim off of a late 80's truck/burb/blazer. My truck (87 model) is missing a piece of trim at the top just under the hood. The guy at the junkyard said he would sell me the piece i need for $5 if i could get it off without damaging it. It's a long piece, probly 4 feet long. It is just that thin metal trim that runs all around the front end of one of these old trucks. Once i got it off, of course i would need to know the best method of putting it on. Im kind of a noob when it comes to body work. The trim seems very thin and easy to bend or ruin. 

[fitz]

There is a joke in here somewhere, but I wont say it.

[VileZambonie]

lol

The thin metal trim on late 80's? The thin metal trim was used on the 80 and earlier models. Can you post a pic? If it's the metal trim small sections they have a retaining clip on the under side. The vinyl moldings you can just use a little heat and a plastic gasket scraper to carefully peel them off. 3m adhesive tape works good.

[fitz]

I think he is talking about the 4 pieces of the trim that go around the edge of the grill. 
That trim has studs on the back side of it. If you remove the grill you can get to them. By damaging the trim he probably means breaking those studs off. Bring some PB blaster with you and soak them down.
This is a rat parts truck I picked up. Please no bashing me for the hack body lift and wires hanging down.

[Skunksmash]

Yes i am referring to the metal trim that encircles the headlights and grille, just like in that picture. By PB blaster you mean some kind of penetrating lubricant? I take it you mean that you have to just sort of unscrew them from the back, and then the trim comes off? I have seen some body stuff that you need a special tool, just making sure this wasn't one of them.

[exilous]

if your grille is already out, reach your hand up and behind the trim pieces there are little thin nut caps that are on studs that ride inside the trim piece. If I remember correctly they are 10 millimeter. They are a real pain to get at when you get over the headlights but nothing an extension on your 1/4 drive ratchet can't fix. They go the whole length of the piece. All of the trim pieces have them in it. Hope this helps good luck.

[Skunksmash]

Yeah that helps a lot. Does the grill absolutely have to be removed to get at them? I'll be doing this at the junkyard, so the less time spent standing in the tall weeds, the better. At least it is the topmost long piece of trim, so it should be the easiest one.

[fitz]

Yeah that helps a lot. Does the grill absolutely have to be removed to get at them? I'll be doing this at the junkyard, so the less time spent standing in the tall weeds, the better. At least it is the topmost long piece of trim, so it should be the easiest one.

Technically no, but it is definitely the easiest way. You could remove the radiator and go in from that side, but it's more work. Unless the grill is in mint cond just smash it out of the way. Your in a junkyard, have some fun.

[Skunksmash]

Yeah that helps a lot. Does the grill absolutely have to be removed to get at them? I'll be doing this at the junkyard, so the less time spent standing in the tall weeds, the better. At least it is the topmost long piece of trim, so it should be the easiest one.

Technically no, but it is definitely the easiest way. You could remove the radiator and go in from that side, but it's more work. Unless the grill is in mint cond just smash it out of the way. Your in a junkyard, have some fun.

lol, im not sure they would appreciate that. But if i find one with an already smashed grill, i'll take your advice.

[Skunksmash]

Well i went to the junkyard and got my trim. So er.. whats the best way to get it back on? lol jk. What i really need to know is, do you treat the fake little nuts like real nuts, or do you just try to press them on?

[Skunksmash]

Got the new trim on, looking good. As opposed to having that piece missing lol. Anyway, i have a small complaint. As always. Would it have killed GM to use a real freaking nut and bolt type setup??! Looks like they cheaped out again... But i really didn't have any problem with it haha. Just mighta made things a little easier and simpler.

[Blazin]

Have never had much problem with the speed nuts they use. Allot better than the stupid plastic clips that the earlier trucks of the 81 and up vintage used for just the two end pieces of trim.