Max, the body manual is not detailed in MANY areas. If you are patient, you can use a couple of stout putty knives and gently alternate between left and right prying action. The problem is that Hudson used a retainer strip that was as long as the trim strip leaving very little room for trim removal without trim damage. Be patient! This stuff is prone to getting into a"U" shape if it comes off too quickly without proper care. Good luck.

Thanks very much Lance. That helps a lot.

Max,

Use the plastic tools so you don't damage your paint. You can buy plastic scraper/putty knife sets at Harbor Frieght for example. Once you get one off, you'll see how they go on. I think you need to work from the bottom first. Loosen all along the line on one side, then pull the piece off the top so you don't bend them.

Thanks for that advice Tim. I'll check out Harbor Freight for the plastic tools.

Best way is to put a putty knife under the bottom, then have some one with a small block of wood placed above the knife and tap with a hammer and lift the putty knife and off it will come. do this the complete length of the stainless piece and it will come off and remain straight. Walt's way. Walt

Walt, I've removed the trim piece in question and discovered that the prior restorer used fabricated trim pieces for that particular trim strip from front to back. It is aluminum and requires bending the outside surface at the top to uncover the mounting screws below. I plan to replace with original Hudson style pieces if I can find them. Thanks for your advice.

There is an ad in the WTN that has trim retainer pieces for sale. They work as that is what I have on my 53 for the last 17 years, bought when Press Kale was the K-Gap dealer. Walt.