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I am preparing my 1946 DeSoto S11 Custom 4 door sedan for a complete repaint. In doing so I am in the process of removing all chrome and stainless steel (SS) trim. There is strip of SS on each side comprised of 5 pieces that run from the hood to just behind the rear door under the rear vent window. I have been able to remove the first four pieces either by removing nuts from the hood trim or prying off from the doors. However, the last piece situated under the rear vent window appears to have different retainers than those that hold the SS trim that runs across the doors. I would appreciate any advice as to how best to remove this piece of trim. I have been reluctant to apply too much prying pressure as I am concerned the piece may be damaged. I am wondering if I have to access these two pieces from the inside in order to effect their removal.
Gary Hammond, Lockport, Manitoba
p.s. My DeSoto is pictured on page 5 of the forum photo gallery. It is dark grey in colour and I would like to have it repainted as close to possible to the original colour. Does anyone have the correct paint code using modern paints. As a matter of interest the original paint will be removed through soda blasting.
The front clips should be the wire type that stays with the trim when removed, assuming they aren't rusted. For whatever reason they switched to a different clip for the last trim piece. It is a stamped steel piece that is held into the body with fingers that were spread. Getting them off without ruining them is tough plus they are usually rusted and will need to be replaced. The trim should unsnap from the top edge. I use a plastic trim tool to avoid paint/trim damage. If you can get one end loose try wiggling the trim up and down to release the next clip, repeat. As for the paint try http://www.tcpglobal.com/autocolorlibrary/
Tim Mabry
The Lost Cause Garage
47 Suburban
57 Sportsman 4dr HT
If it like my 47 Chrysler you push down a little and pry
it off from the bottom
Here's a picture of the trim, clip and tools. You can pop it off from the bottom but on a S-11 there is a ridge in the body that can get in the way.
Tim Mabry
The Lost Cause Garage
47 Suburban
57 Sportsman 4dr HT
FYI on paint. I got a quart from those folks:
....tcpglobal.com/autocolorlibrary
For my 1947 Desoto and checked it against the original paint. Not even close.
Go to a very good shop and have them use the computer-scanner and then have "their guy" who mixes do a hand custom match. Takes longer and costs more, but a good mixer can match the paint. It just takes time.
James
PS. Please take and post some photos of the clips on the car for the trim so I can save them so if I ever re-paint the '47 I know what I am looking at.
James & Tim: Thank you both for information provided. I will attempt to post a picture of the trim retainer once I have it off. The following should provide some insight as to why the DeSoto is being repainted. MPI is the local government insurance who will be paying for a good portion of the repaint.
Gary
T’was the the night of the blizzard and all through the blow
The portable DeSoto shelter did get covered with snow
And although the wind howled and swirled around
My ride inside felt safe and sound
But sadly this confidence was poorly in place
Cuz against the storm the shelter could no longer brace
All at once the roof began to buckle and bend
And upon the car the steel poles did wend
The very next day to my wondering eyes did appear
A huge roof dent that brought to them a tear
So now its to MPI that I go
To open a claim to repair damage caused by the snow
