On both sides of the vehicle there is a black plastic modling that faces forward but is attached to the rear door at window height. I think the purpose is so that you don't see the paint color between the doors. My question is, is anyone elses all bent up? I managed to straighten it (passenger side) but haven't opened the door since. The local bodyshop wanted $55 for a new piece of molding. I'm thinking that I can heat it up straighten it and let it cool correctly.

 

Yup,
Mine looks like waves, I have high points then low points etc, it rubs against the paint that is for sure, so you aren't the only one with this issue.

 

Yes, mine does the same thing. actually wearing the paint off. Tried to straighten, then close the door, but it goes back to the same position. Should be a better design.

 

I have the same problem my doors. I think I am just going to take a sharp box knife and remove the offending plastic piece.

Pbfoot

 

Member of the club since 2001.

 

After reading this post again last night I went outside and really looked at the problem. I think what causes it is the molding somehow either sticks to the paint or doesn't slide against the paint causing it to bunch up. The rear door opens and the molding takes the path of least resistance-backwards. I did manage to get mine forwards again but it's crinkled. When the weather breaks I am going to try heating it up to completey straighten it out and then waxing that painted area.
More to come...

 

Same thing on my 2000

 

Part of the club since 97-- I just choose to ignore it now.

 

Me too. Darn...Wish I hadn't read this thread. Now it bugs the h....ll out of me. Think I will paint it with see through paint...

 

yes

 

I think it is offical, my 2000 EB has the same problem, mine squeaks when I open the drivers rear door, really bugs me. If anyone comes up with an idea we will all be greatful. Dan

 

Mine did the same thing. Here's your fix...... open the door and grab your vice grips. Place them on the molding and pull up or down on it and remove it from the track. Then go to your favorite paint shop and get some black spray paint and paint the area between the doors. I tried heating mine, taping them and just about everything else you can think of. It's no use! Just remove them and be done with it! The dealer wanted $85 for each side. The entire black pillar molding needs to be replaced. I said I'd fix it my own way! This molding serves no purpose except to hide the body color between the doors. Mine have been removed for over 2 yrs now.... no problems at all! Hope this helps!

 

I hate the thought of taking paint to my truck, but it's looking like that's the only viable solution.

 

Same thing.

The originals were a hard plastic. Once they catch the pillar and bend, they start wearing the paint. I caught it early and had the dealer replace both under warranty. The replacements are rubber and have never cause another problem.

 

I just can't spray paint my truck, my '72 Chevelle, now that I used to spray paint-primer grey, LOL.

I think my solution will be to remove the molding and cover the painted area with a wide black racing stripe. This should do the trick. If it looks passable I will take some pics and post a "how to".