I know this has probably been posted a billion times but I was wondering if I could get some opinions on the side molding removal for my truck. The chrome is a little spotty and faded, meaning the trim isn't in the best condition but its not bad by any means. Been on the fence about taking it off or not and would like some opinions. Sometimes I think it works well with the truck but other times I really like the simplicity without it. Another thing, anybody know any replacement options for the pinstripe on the top and bottom? Mine is starting to get worse as time goes and would like to explore some options about it. Thanks

 

I personally think these trucks look bad without the bodyside moulding.

 

I removed them from my '97 F350 XLT. Wouldn't have been so bad if they were also behind the rear wheels like earlier 90s models...their not being there looked incomplete. I like the clean look with no moldings. They came off easily when warmed with a heat gun.

 

I'm also interested in reading opinions about the looks of the body side moldings. I just repainted my truck and am debating if I should put them back on. I think they look good with or without them.

Just keep in mind if you manage to remove them without scratching the surrounding paint, expect to see a noticeable shade difference from where the molding was covering the paint and the rest of the truck that has been exposed to the sun for the past 25+ years.

Here are two recent threads about both of your questions:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...one-f150s.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-molding.html

 

The body side moldings and chrome wheel arch trims are functional and help protect the paint, but I think the single color trucks looks more modern without them.. not so much the 2-tone though. For the OPs truck in particular I don't mind the moldings so much but the thing that stands out like a sore eye to me are the scared little tires hiding under it.. they're just way too small.

 

I agree about the stock size tires. Mine are also stock 29" and are way lame. I cannot wait until this set are done so I can upgrade to 31". Even the 2 extra inches looks a lot better I think.

 

My problem is a few of the sections have already peeled off my truck, the adhesive tape holding those on is pretty much dried up to where it's not coming off without an abrasive.

 

I like mine without it, didnt think I would but I do. Removal was not hard

 

I also had that problem with mine. I found using a rag soaked in lacquer thinner and a lot of elbow grease helped soften the old adhesive. I eventually ended up using a DA to remove it all but obviously that's not an option if you aren't repainting your truck.

Some people have good luck with this tool from what I've heard:

 

I used the 3M eraser wheel to remove the old adhesive. Works great and will not harm the paint. Great product!

 

I took the moldings (and the "4X4" stickers) off my '97 about two years ago at about 150K miles. I was expecting to see shadows of the removed items...I could not...to my disbelief. The PO was a general building contractor...the truck lived outside. Also, the color of the truck is "toreador red" and in my experience as a sign painter, reds fade. This is a testament to the high quality factory paint Ford used (and hopefully still uses). Maybe by 2022 there would be noticeable shadow...who knows.