Dull Body Side Moldings.

I have tried almost everything (I think) to bring the black body side
moldings back to life on my 95 Civic. I know for a fact there are many
92-95 Civic's out there with the same problem. Thanks in advance for any
suggestions.

 

I suggest you spend the next 45 minutes banging your head against a wall. I can
guarantee it'll make you completely forget all about your fixation with
something as trivial as moldings on a crap civic.

 

That's what I feel like doing when using all of these miracle products that
don't deliver. My fixation is on my wallet. I try to refurbish rather
than replace. Lastly, AZ please don't try to stir up the Honda site
saying an Icon like the Civic is crap. We both know it's not. Have a
great day and stay away from walls!

 

Same problem with my 95 Accord. I removed them with a nylon stick (from
an autoglass shop) the clips stayed in place so I had to remove them
after the molding was off. I did this on a warm day so the moldings
were "soft".

I see no way to remove the clips and molding at the same time unless it
is done from the inside because the clips have to be "squeezed" to
remove them. Impossible from the outside of the car.

This would require removing the door panels, the interior panels next
to the rear seat and inner wheel wells on the front. PIA, just to
remove moldings!

The clips slide into a slot in the molding which some of them cracked
when I removed them but not enough so the clip won't slide back into
place. That's why it needs to be done on a warm or even hot day so that
the moldings will flex.

That's all I've done so far.

My plan is to wet sand the moldings with "probably" 400 grit (I will
test a small area and make sure that isn't too coarse) wet-dry
sandpaper, clean them with rubbing alcohol, then paint them with black
"Plasti-Kote". (paint made for plastic)

 

What about buying replacement moldings? I would suspect that for a car
as popular as the various Hondas have been there is a good market for
them.

 

Mouldings are hugely overpriced. Ever check it?

 

Thanks guys. But I know someone out there has a secret method that will
work. I picked a molding up at a salvage yard and treated it twice a
week, kept it inside for weeks and it just kept absorbing the treatments
and getting no better. Painting them or replacing may be my only option.
What's strange is the small molding on the front fender (both sides) still
look like new and yes they are originals.

 

I painted my Accord's moldings with Krylon Fusion paint. When I did
that, they only offered black gloss, but now they have black satin. I
highly suggest it. Mask them off and then wipe them down with ammonia
before painting. A couple of hours of work and you will be happy!

dan

 

Thanks Dan, how long ago did you do the paint? I'm planning on giving the
paint a shot.

 

I enjoyed the nice moldings for a couple of years before I sold the car
a year ago.

dan

 

Thanks BigELilE05 and Dan for all your ideas and tips. My side moldings
are now coated with Krylon Fusion (for plastic) gloss black and look very
good. I'm one happy camper with a total cost for the job under $4.00.
Cleaning with ammonia took off all the treatments and also cleaned my
garbage disposal. The molding that was treated many times took three wipe
downs with ammonia to clean it all off. To Shawn and Nighd00d, thanks for
your ideas as well. Dan, I owe you.

 

dan beat me to it as I also was gonna recommend Krylon Fusion paint. I have a
black '98 CRV LX and I painted the bumpers,fender trim,side skirts, and the
body side molding last summer. It turned out great. I used it on the plastic
cowl underneath the windshield the previous winter(as a test to see if it's
durable) and that piece still looks great although I've noticed that it has
dulled slightly. I may have to apply some to the top of my bumpers again this
summer since they take the brunt of the sun. The rest of it looks as good as
when I initially applied it. It WILL scratch however so you have to be a
little careful with those areas....this stuff is made for faded body side
moldings.

Good Luck!

 

I'm glad you're happy. Pass the word.

I just can't stand to see these beautiful older Hondas out there with
chalky or dull looking moldings. We don't have to live like that anymore!

dan

 

I just finished painting mine today and they also look great. Only
thing I'm worried about is some jerk opening their dr into mine. It
will defenitally leave a mark in the paint but oh well. Still a LOT
cheaper than buying new ones!