does anyone know how to remove the plastic trim that goes around the rear window.

im pretty sure a couple of the tabs on mine are broken

 

dont think it comes out without the glass coming out.

 

there are no tabs on it. its basically glued to the truck. you can remove it but you have to get all the old glue off and use new adhesive when you put it back on. thats why when people paint it they leave it on the truck.

hope that helps

 

no it can not.. the trim ring is held on with adhesive and nuts.. there are like 5 million nuts on the inside.. and yes the glass has to come out in order to get the trim ring out

 

thats what i thought.

im getting it professionally smoothed and painted so i guess i have to wait and do everything at once.

thanks guys

 

Travis, how much did they quote you for them to smooth and paint it?

 

$40

thats the price if i bring it to them already smoothed and off the truck tho.

 

just be aware......a lot of guys on the lightning site have done this, and also smoothed the rear tailgate handle. i have been told that it took a lot of work. some guys said that they thought it was smooth, then when they went to paint it some of the texture was still there. so they had to sand some more to keep trying to get it right.

 

thanks for the heads up

im not too worried about it as i have a DA sander and ive already dont my tailgate handle and it came out good.

 

sweet! got any tips for me? lol. i just got a handle at the junkyard that i was going to experiment with

 

haha.. to u 99 and up guys.. my crappy ol 98's trim came smoooth.. and faded.. ugh.. mine just needs paint..

 

x2. I was like WTF. Mine is smooth, I guess they changed in the redesign.

 

Mine is smooth. I rub it with a little polish once a year and it still looks like new.

 

mmm start with about 600 to 800 grit wetsand paper til you knock down all of the texture and then i normally finish up with 1000 grit

yeah ive been looking around online and everywhere i look it has the same part number for the 97-98 window surrounds as the 99+ ones....i need to call tasca and see if thats true or if im just retarded or something lol

 

My 98 has smooth window trim. I've never seen a textured one but I also haven't been looking