55 Ford trim removal

Ralph Moore

Well-known member
I have a 55 wagon that's going to it's final resting place, but before it goes I want to pull all the side trim, window trim, bumpers etc. How do I take it off without damaging it? Doesn't seem to be any nuts on the back side as in 40's Ford trim.

Thanks.
 
Never worked on a wagon. The sedans have a screw or a nut from the back on the ends, then push clips in the center.
 
I have removed a lot from stripping junkers by just carefully putting a wide screwdriver or brake tool under the trim where the clip is and breaking it off, they are usually so rusty that they just pop off. Or perhaps using the tool as a chisel and cutting the clip/screw. Doesn't matter if you damage the body if you are just careful not to bend the trim.
 
I have a couple of interior panel removal tools, maybe they will work? One of the pieces is dented already, I guess it will be my guinea pig.
 
If the wagon has Customline trim, all of the trim can be easily removed from outside by popping the trim off its clip with a screwdriver. I used a screwdriver that had been ground down so the blade was sharp. If it has Fairlane trim it is the same as the Customline except for the front doors and fenders. The "Vee" on the doors hace a special clip which needs to be remove from inside the door. Fender trim must be removed by attacking from underneath also. Both the Customline and Fairlane series cars have ONE clip on each side at the very back which must be unscrewed from inside the trunk. If the wagon has the simulated wood trim, I dont know how those come off.
To remove window trim on all models, you need to pop out the window glass and gasket. Once the window is out, you pull the rubber apart to pull the trim out of the rubber gasket
 
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