Aftermarket Specialty Tools - Just Toolin' Around

Whether you're preparing to perform a full-on restoration or just getting ready to slap some paint on your ride, something as simple as removing a window molding can become frustrating. Those little retaining clips can make you want to abort the mission, grab a bag of chips, and plop your keister in front of the television.

Not too long ago there was a quick solution to replacing a broken clip or other vehicle-specific small items: Hop in the grocery getter, cruise on over to the local salvage yard, give the owner five bucks, and go find what you need. These days most of the older vehicles are long gone from the local salvage yards, having ei- ther been crushed into a cube and recycled for soda cans or salvaged for restoration.

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In order to properly remove window moldings (whether they be front or rear), you should have a molding release tool. This tool will snag and release the inner clip to ease removal. Proper technique is needed; once removed, you can take a look at the clip to get a better understanding of how it clamps onto the molding. This tool may be available in different variations.

Thanks to the aftermarket, hundreds of specialty items can still be obtained at a price, but most car guys don't enjoy a roadblock being erected in the way of our progress. We want it and we want it now, be- cause that's just the way it is. Having the correct equipment allows you to remove the trim properly so neither it nor the stuff holding it on gets damaged.

To make a short story even shorter, you need the right tools for the job. Doesn't matter if you're pulling an intake manifold or removing irreplaceable trim for your classic. You'd be pretty scared if you were being rolled in for surgery and the doctor had a hammer and chisel sitting lonesome beside him. Since you don't deserve that, neither does your car.

Some jobs can be completed with your normal hand tools (sockets, screwdrivers, etc.), but why not make a small investment to do the job right? We would like to thank Harrison Ortis of Harrison Restorations in Upland, California, for allowing us to follow along during what they consider to be another day at the office.

	Properly removing a windshield...        read full caption Properly removing a windshield can be tricky, even for a professional. Some older cars still retain the original windshield and are extremely tough to cut out. Once the window moldings have been removed, it is a good idea to go around the windshield with a long-handled urethane cutout knife. This will give you an advantage when inserting the T-handled cable pull windshield tool. Once inserted, guide the blade with one hand while pulling through with the other. Do not expect to have success every time. As pictured, this windshield got the best of us. Be sure to have additional blades handy, as they will break from time to time.	When working on inner door...        read full caption When working on inner door panels, some may find it hard to remove the window crank handle. You may sit for an unusual amount of time with a screwdriver trying to pry it off. The easiest way is to purchase this C-clip removal tool, specifically designed to remove the crank handle with ease. Some have mastered removal with a small hook tool, but for the beginner, we suggest doing it the right way.
When working on inner door...        read full caption When working on inner door panels, some may find it hard to remove the window crank handle. You may sit for an unusual amount of time with a screwdriver trying to pry it off. The easiest way is to purchase this C-clip removal tool, specifically designed to remove the crank handle with ease. Some have mastered removal with a small hook tool, but for the beginner, we suggest doing it the right way.		There is no particular protocol...        read full caption There is no particular protocol for removing the trim attached to the driprails. In most cases it is a good idea to bend an old flathead screwdriver slightly. Many of these moldings are held in place with black glue (similar to window ribbon) and possibly one screw toward the bottom. When the outside temperature is on the warmer side, these moldings release much easier. During the winter months, you may need to employ a heat gun to assist in softening the glue.
When removing back glass,...        read full caption When removing back glass, the same procedure is used as the windshield. Using a suction cup to help dislodge the glass from its home is highly suggested rather than laying in the back seat with your feet, pushing with all your might.	In order to properly remove...        read full caption In order to properly remove the door panel, a door panel removal tool should be used. This particular tool slides in behind the panel, harnesses the clips, and aids in pulling them from the inner door structure. Failing to do so may cause damage to the clips, or even better, the door panel itself may rip where the clips mount-this will create a problem when it comes time to reinstall it. This tool can also be used to gently pry off other door panel components. Be careful- the older the car, the more brittle things are.	It is always a good idea to...        read full caption It is always a good idea to tag and bag all your parts during disassembly. This will prevent any confusion during reassembly, especially if you're performing an extensive amount of modifications expected to take a long period of time.
Some trim is held in with...        read full caption Some trim is held in with these types of nuts. These nuts are generally accessible from inside the vehicle. It is a good idea to have a 1/4-inch drive socket set available for these tight spots. A set of Gearwrenches is also handy when reaching into tight locations. Shown above is a Gearwrench with a flexible head being used to aid in fender removal.