Gather Your Materials
Before you begin‚ gather the necessary materials․ You’ll need the new molding strips‚ adhesive promoter (if required by the manufacturer)‚ a measuring tape‚ a utility knife‚ a level‚ and a clean cloth․ If your vehicle has existing molding‚ you may also need a plastic pry tool to remove it․
Prepare the Car
After gathering your materials‚ it’s time to prepare your car for the molding installation․ This step is crucial to ensure a clean and successful installation․ Here’s how to do it⁚
- Clean the Installation Area⁚ Begin by thoroughly cleaning the area where you’ll be installing the molding․ This includes the car’s body panels and the existing molding if you’re replacing it․ Use a good quality car wash soap and water to remove any dirt‚ debris‚ wax‚ or polish․ Make sure to dry the area completely before proceeding․
- Mask Off the Area⁚ To protect the surrounding paint from any accidental adhesive contact‚ use masking tape to mask off the area where you’ll be applying the molding․ This will help prevent any damage to your car’s paint and ensure a clean finish․
- Remove Existing Molding (if applicable)⁚ If you’re replacing existing molding‚ carefully remove it using a plastic pry tool․ Start by gently inserting the tool between the molding and the body panel․ Work your way along the length of the molding‚ carefully prying it off without damaging the surrounding paint․ Take your time and be patient during this step․
- Inspect the Installation Area⁚ Once the existing molding is removed‚ inspect the installation area for any damage or imperfections․ If you find any scratches‚ dents‚ or rust‚ it’s important to address them before installing the new molding․ Use a touch-up pen or filler to repair any minor imperfections․ This will ensure that the new molding adheres properly and looks its best․
- Prepare the Adhesive (if required)⁚ Some molding kits come with an adhesive promoter that needs to be applied before installing the molding․ This promoter helps to ensure a strong bond between the molding and the car body․ If your kit requires it‚ follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the adhesive promoter․
By carefully cleaning‚ masking‚ and inspecting the installation area‚ you’ll set yourself up for a successful and professional-looking molding installation․
Install the Molding
With your car prepped and materials ready‚ it’s time to install the molding․ This process requires precision and patience to ensure a smooth‚ even fit․ Here’s how to do it⁚
- Measure and Cut the Molding⁚ Before you begin‚ measure the length of each molding strip needed for your car․ You’ll likely need to cut the molding to size using a utility knife․ To ensure accurate cuts‚ use a measuring tape and a sharp blade․ Mark the cutting points with a pencil and make clean‚ straight cuts․
- Start at a Corner⁚ Begin by installing the molding at a corner or edge of the car․ This will provide a stable starting point for the rest of the installation․ Align the molding with the body panel‚ ensuring it sits flush and level․
- Apply Adhesive (if applicable)⁚ If your molding kit includes adhesive‚ apply it to the back of the molding strip․ Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper application method․ Ensure the adhesive is evenly distributed along the entire length of the molding․
- Press Firmly⁚ Once the adhesive is applied‚ carefully press the molding strip onto the body panel‚ starting at the corner or edge․ Apply firm‚ even pressure along the entire length of the molding‚ ensuring it adheres securely to the surface․
- Continue Along the Body Panel⁚ Once the first section is installed‚ continue along the body panel‚ aligning the molding with the existing molding or body lines․ Press firmly and ensure the molding is smooth and even․
- Work in Small Sections⁚ To prevent the adhesive from drying too quickly‚ work in small sections at a time․ This will allow you to adjust the molding and ensure a smooth‚ even fit․
Remember to take your time and be patient during this step․ It’s essential to ensure a precise fit for a professional-looking finish․
Secure the Molding
After you’ve installed the molding and allowed the adhesive to set (if applicable)‚ it’s time to secure it for a long-lasting‚ durable finish․ This step ensures the molding stays in place and resists the elements‚ preventing it from peeling or coming loose․ Here’s how to do it⁚
- Use Clamps or Tape⁚ To keep the molding in place while the adhesive dries (if applicable)‚ use clamps or tape to secure it to the body panel․ Apply clamps at regular intervals along the length of the molding‚ ensuring they are evenly spaced and do not damage the paint․ Alternatively‚ use masking tape to temporarily secure the molding in place․
- Check for Gaps⁚ Once the adhesive has dried (if applicable)‚ inspect the molding for any gaps or uneven areas․ If you find any‚ gently press the molding back into place or use a heat gun to soften the adhesive and allow for minor adjustments․
- Use Clips or Screws (if necessary)⁚ Some molding kits come with clips or screws that can be used to further secure the molding․ Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation method․ Ensure the clips or screws are installed securely and do not damage the surrounding paint․
- Apply a Finishing Touch⁚ Once the molding is securely in place‚ consider using a sealant or trim adhesive to further protect it from the elements․ This will help to prevent water‚ dirt‚ and debris from getting behind the molding and causing damage․
- Allow Time for Drying⁚ If you’ve used adhesive or sealant‚ allow it to fully dry before driving your car․ This will ensure the molding is securely attached and prevents it from coming loose during driving․
By following these steps‚ you can ensure your car’s new molding is securely installed and provides a long-lasting‚ professional finish․
Final Touches
After you’ve secured the molding and allowed everything to dry‚ you’re almost done! These final touches will complete the installation and give your car a polished‚ professional look․
- Clean Up⁚ Remove any excess adhesive‚ masking tape‚ or other residue from the car’s bodywork․ Use a clean cloth and a mild solvent to gently wipe away any remaining material․ Be careful not to damage the paint․
- Inspect for Flaws⁚ Once the car is clean‚ carefully inspect the newly installed molding for any imperfections․ This includes looking for gaps‚ uneven areas‚ or any damage to the molding itself․
- Address Flaws⁚ If you find any imperfections‚ address them before they become more noticeable․ You can use a heat gun to soften the adhesive and make minor adjustments to the molding․ If there is damage‚ consider replacing the affected section․
- Protect the Molding⁚ To prevent damage and keep the molding looking its best‚ consider applying a sealant or protective coating․ This will help resist the elements‚ including water‚ dirt‚ and UV rays․
- Admire Your Work⁚ Step back and admire your handiwork! You’ve successfully installed new body side molding‚ giving your car a fresh look and enhancing its protection․
Remember‚ proper care and maintenance will help keep your new molding in top condition for years to come․ Regularly clean and inspect the molding for any damage or signs of wear․ This will ensure it continues to look its best and provide its intended protection․