DISCLAIMER

As always, follow all safety protocols. Don't undertake this task if you aren't comfortable with it, fully understand it, and are capable of completing it. The information provided may be incomplete or inaccurate. You are ultimately responsible for anything you do. Neither Redpants, LLC or myself is responsible or liable for anything that may occur.

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This is a fairly easy job so long as you’re careful. The window trim is pretty easy to bend and you’re working around paint, so those are the two primary concerns. Otherwise, this is a straight-forward job that doesn’t require much to do. I originally filmed this video to swap out the chrome window trim on my grey 2007 V8 Vantage to the black window trim included in the Exterior Black Pack, but the same DIY Guide can also be used to remove the trim pieces for other reasons, like putting vinyl wrap on them or replacing missing or damaged pieces.

Needed

Exterior Black Pack window trim (optional)
T15 Torx bit
Ratchet/driver for the Torx bit
Trim tool
Isopropyl alcohol
An hour or two

Before You Begin

Be careful not to bend the window trim when removing it from the car. The pieces are made of thin, pliable metal so they can bend easily.

Do not use a screwdriver or other metal tool to remove the window trim as this can very easily damage the car’s paint.

If you are reinstalling the same trim pieces (rather than replacing them with new ones), you may need to replace any double-sided tape as it generally doesn’t work well if reused.

Step 1

Use the trim tool to remove the small trim piece forward of the door mirror. It’s only held on by double-sided tape.

With the trim piece removed, clean any remnant material from the mounting surface and then clean it with isopropyl alcohol.

Let the isopropyl alcohol fully dry, then install the new trim piece.

Step 2

Remove the trim piece between the door mirror arms using the trim tool. It’s only held on by double-sided tape.

With the trim piece removed, clean any remnant material from the mounting surface and then clean it with isopropyl alcohol.

Let the isopropyl alcohol fully dry, then install the new trim piece.

Step 3

The window trim that runs along the top of the door is pressed into place. Use the trim tool to lift upwards on it starting from one and working toward the other end.

Clean the mounting surfaces and then install the new trim piece.

Step 4

Pull down the rubber door seal along the upper trim piece that runs above the top of the window, using the trim tool to get it started. This will expose the Torx bolts holding the trim piece in place.

Step 5

Note: If you have trouble doing Step 5 by itself, you can combine Steps 5 and 6 and remove both the upper trim piece and the rear corner trim piece together as one assembly.

Remove the Torx bolts from the leading edge of the upper trim piece and work your way toward the rear of the car until they’re all removed.

Use the trim tool to pop the trim piece outward away from the car until it’s loose as close as you can get to the rear corner.

Gently hold the upper trim piece slightly away from the car and then carefully pull it forward to release it from the rear corner trim piece. The picture below shows this slotted portion.

If you are not removing the rear corner trim piece: Clean the mounting surfaces and install the new upper trim piece the opposite way you removed it, then skip down to Step 7.

If you are removing the rear corner trim piece: Do not reinstall the upper trim piece. Continue to Step 6.

Step 6

Use the trim tool to pop loose the lower edge of the rear corner trim piece, starting at the door and working back to toward the corner.

With the clips popped loose, the rear corner trim piece can be slid forward to release it from its mounting “slot” (pictured below) and removed from the car.

Clean the mounting surfaces and then install the new rear corner trim piece the opposite way you removed it, then install the upper trim piece.

Step 7

Press the rubber door seal back into place.

Check to make sure all of the trim pieces are aligned and secure, then repeat for the other side of the car.

And that’s it!

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