Auto trim molding is available in a variety of sizes and types, including rubber, plastic and chrome. The trim contains a smooth front surface and a rough back surface that accepts adhesive to keep the trim from coming off your vehicle. Over time, auto trim molding becomes brittle, starts to break down and needs replacing. It is not hard to install new molding. You can even install auto trim molding to a vehicle that never had it.
Park your vehicle in a garage or other covered area where dust and dirt are not blowing. This keeps debris from collecting on the vehicle's surface during the installation process.
Wipe your vehicle with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or rag to remove loose dust and dirt from the vehicle's surface.
Mix 1/2 gallon of isopropyl alcohol (70 percent) and 1/2 gallon of cold water in a bucket. Stir the mixture with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or rag. Wring out the excess.
Wipe the area with the damp cloth or rag.
Dry the area with a lint-free cloth. The area your vehicle is parked in should be between 65 degrees and 110 degrees Fahrenheit for the adhesive on the back of the auto trim molding to adhere properly.
Unroll a strip of the auto trim molding from its packaging. Straighten out the molding with your hands.
Place the molding on the area, but do not remove the liner tape from the back of the molding yet. Place a piece of masking tape on each end of the molding to hold the material in place.
Align the molding as you adjust the masking tape, using a ruler. Add additional masking tape to hold the molding in place, if needed.
Cut the molding carefully with a utility knife at any door jambs or areas you don't want it.
Start at one end of the molding, pull off the masking tape and remove the liner paper from the back of the molding. Slowly but firmly press the molding onto your vehicle as you move to the opposite end. Keep the molding straight as you move toward the end.
Adhere the molding onto your vehicle once the material is in place, using a rubber hand roller.
