Anybody ever change the body side moldings?

[jhawkins]

The body side moldings on my 96 have the plastic covered chrome strip and the plastic is peeling off. I really like the new style moldings that are just black rubber. Just wondered if these are expensive and if they hard to replace?

 

[johnrv4]

I installed the black moldings on my '01. 5 on the box. They now come from the factory with nothing on the box at all. I bought the four moldings(two in front of the rear wheels and two behind the rear wheels) for around $80. That was with a 25% discount. I think Geno's sells similiar molding on a roll for a decent price.

 

[MikeR]

When we bought my wife's '95, the chrome strips in the side moulding were peeling and yellowing. I was going to replace them with the 98-2001 style mouldings, but changed my mind and just went with a brand new set of 94-97 mouldings.



It is easy to do, but it takes a long time to get the old two-sided tape off that sticks to the body. I probably had 4 hours into just getting the old tape off.



I added up the list prices on a new set of side mouldings and it's going to be about $260 bucks.

Geno's had a moulding set that looked like the 98-2001 style, might want to check into that.



-Mike

 

[Walker]

I've got some if your interested

jhawkins,

I just took the black moulding off my 01'. I'll let you have it for a little cash + shipping if you're interested. It's all the pieces (less the bed) and they're in real good shape. You'd just need to strip the old tape, and apply some new 3M.



Email me if interested

 

[B KIRK]

Try your local automotive paint shop. They usually have a display of different style mouldings. Some even match factory originals. They come in different length rolls, so measure how much you need. Most products are as good or better than factory. Just trim to length with a utility blade, (watch your fingers).



Brad

 

[John]

My '98. 5 QC LWB black Sport Ram didn't come with bodyside moldings and I wanted them (I figured they wouldn't show up much on a black truck anyway). I ordered the complete set of 8 moldings (including the ones on the front end of the bed) for about $202. while my truck was being built. Later, I added the SWB bed molding aft of the rear wheel opening.



So far, so good. Then I decided to add a set of Mopar fender flares... this required the removal of the both the rear moldings. In the meantime I had ordered a replacement set of four bed moldings to install after I had installed the flares. BTW, if this is done all four bed moldings will have to be shortened prior to application. This may or may not be a problem for some however, a heads up here; the '98. 5 through present moldings are hollow... if they are shortened the ends will now be "open". Anyway, after careful evaluation, I decided to leave the bed moldings off. Afterall, there's a snowball's chance in He!! I'll park next to anyone, leaving my Ram in the strike zone anyway.



BTW, the OE moldings will come right off with a little help from a heat gun. Heck, you guys in Arizona don't even need that! Just park it in the sun for half an hour and let 'er rip.

 

[mbrolin]

There is another tool thayt makes it easy to get the tape off. Its called an "Eraser wheel". Go to any auto paint supply store and they should have them. Astro and 3M are 2 brands. They will work in any drill as well.

 

[jhawkins]

Thanks all, for the help! I think I will have to wait till after winter is over to change the mouldings unless I can find someway to safely heat up the old ones.



Jim