GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Sunfire 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Exterior Trim 🢒 Front Side Door Molding Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 255986 Size: SH

    Important: If using a flat-bladed tool, protect the surrounding surfaces. Do not scratch the paint.

  1. Starting at the rear of the door, use a braided wire or a thin flat-bladed tool inserted between the molding and the sheet metal in order to split the foam tape.
  2. Remove the molding from the door.
  3. Remove the old adhesive from the panel and molding (if reusing) using 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner 08984, or the equivalent.

    4. Important: Do not use rotating adhesive removal discs on moldings. The rotating discs generate excessive heat. Excessive heat may cause molding to distort.

  4. Use 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner 08984, or the equivalent, in order to remove the old adhesive from the panel and the molding (if reusing).

    5. Use 3M Scotch-Brite Adhesive Removal Discs on the body panels.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Apply the molding in an environment that is free from dust or other dirt that could come into contact with the sticky backing. Foreign material may cause improper adhesion.

  1. Clean the area where the molding will be installed.

    2. Use a lint free cloth and Varnish Makers and Painters (VMP) naphtha or a (50/50 mixture) by volume of isopropyl alcohol and water in order to clean the area.

  2. Dry the area thoroughly.

    3. Object Number: 255986 Size: SH
  3. If reusing the molding, apply new adhesive to the molding.
  4. For a new molding, remove the backing from the tape.

    5. Important: Wear clean gloves or use a clean towel while performing this step.

  5. Align the molding.
  6. Sedan: If the location of the moding has not been marked, apply tape and use the following dimensions:
    7. • Starting at the front of the door, the distance from the door bottom to the molding is 152 mm (6.0 inches).
    • At the rear of the door, the distance from the door bottom to the molding is 168 mm (6 5/8 inches).
  7. Coupe: If the location of the moding has not been marked, apply tape and use the following dimensions:
    8. • Starting at the front of the door, the distance from the door bottom to the molding is 171 mm (6 3/4 inches).
    • At the rear of the door, the distance from the door bottom to the molding is 191 mm (7 1/2 inches).
  8. Press the molding to the door.

    9. Assure proper wetout of the adhesive by applying heavy hand pressure against the molding at the upper and the lower tape locations. Rub along the entire length of the molding.