1939 Mercury Door Garnish Moulding Removal

[Shoebox]

I need to replace some door glass in my 39 Merc and I could use some input on how to remove the garnish moldings. There are no screws going through the moldings and I can see no screws going into the molding from top of door or either end. Although seemingly unlikely, perhaps they snap out/in? I just want to confirm this prior to starting to pry on things.



I have posted this question over on the Early V8 Mercury forum, but hey, there's just more activity over here. Thanks guys!

[custom_lettering]

I've been taking my 39 apart for paint and when I stripped everything off the doors all screws were right there to remove. If your reffering to the straight molding on top of the door then the screws are right on top. If there are no screws maybe someone smoothed out the top and they snap in.
if your reffering to the stainless window frame then those have screws down in the door.

[Shoebox]

Thank you for your response. I am referring to the woodgrained moldings surrounding the side windows on the inside.

[51 MERC-CT]

This is purported to be the back side of the garnish mldg (although different door)
I would start to pry away from door starting at top and work down the sides to the bottom.

[Shoebox]

THANK YOU!
Sir, you are an awesome example of how wonderful this forum is. Taking the time to respond, let alone providing photos complete with arrows is fantastic. Now out to the shop to begin gingerly prying.

[custom_lettering]

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Sorry my mistake the coupe is 100% different.

[rockfla]

Custom Lettering


What is the body number of your Coupe??? Ours is 754, 12/38 production car.


SHOEBOX.....Please share more about your experience, process, what worked best, what didn't work for you......I also have a 4 door BUT have never had to remove the garnish moldings SO I am following and also why I haven't chimmed in.

[Shoebox]

Following verification that the molding is retained by clips, I proceeded to cautiously pry along the top edge using various plastic, wood, and metal instruments.... Not Easy. After much effort I have the top and side edge almost unsnapped, BUT the bottom edge is unmoved, I really need to know if there are similar snaps as the upper edge OR if there is something else going on. At this point I am stuck until I learn more. I have some good pics of where I'm at, but am suddenly unable to post them, I'm going to address that issue in a separate post.Anyone have a MERCURY manual?

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

Following verification that the molding is retained by clips, I proceeded to cautiously pry along the top edge using various plastic, wood, and metal instruments.... Not Easy. After much effort I have the top and side edge almost unsnapped, BUT the bottom edge is unmoved, I really need to know if there are similar snaps as the upper edge OR if there is something else going on. At this point I am stuck until I learn more. I have some good pics of where I'm at, but am suddenly unable to post them, I'm going to address that issue in a separate post.Anyone have a MERCURY manual?

If you have the top edge and sides away from door frame, push garnish molding UP to disengage from lower portion of door.

[rockfla]

I have the 39-48 Mercury parts book/maroonish brown cover, I don;t remember IF the body/interior is in it but will look as soon as I get home from work.


51Merc CT...that's what I was thinking...give it a slightly MORE than little gentle persuasion upward "bump".

[Shoebox]

51 Merc-Ct, Rockfla,


THAT (pushing up) is what I was suspecting. I don't have the molding top completely clear of the door but now I can stop prying at the bottom and focus on getting the top and side farther away from the door frame. Fun.

[Shoebox]

Fellas,


I GOT IT ! After getting top and side unclipped and leaning inward I used a rubber mallet and tapped up and the molding popped off! Inside panel came off easily, now to remove glass. Thanks for all the input guys.

[rockfla]

Thanks for sharing the results!!! Now I know for future issues with mine.

[av8coupe]

You guys are awesome! I have been perplexed for a while about removing these and now know how. Thank you
.

[swoopNZ]

Early production Fords and Mercurys had the clips - then they reverted back to screws like the 37/38's.