Jeep Cherokee 1999 - How to remove the exterior door plastic runner

[MBPXJ]

Not really sure what to call that ugly, discolored, pealing plastic pieces that run along the bottom of the Cherokee doors? But today I decided to remove them. I started with the usual Goo Gone, waaaay to much elbow work. Then I stepped it up to the power washer; a little better but still took waaaay to long and would not get that last little bit of sticky residue.

Then came in the heat gun :wings:. This was the ticket. First after pulling off the plastic by hand, spray the residual dirt that is bound to be hidden behind the plastic runner. Using the heat gun about 1 inch to 1/2 inch away from the sticky foam/guu let the foam bubble and turn a little brown and continue down the door panel for about 5 inches. Then with wet rag push against the door panel guu repeatedly in the same direction letting the guu roll upon itself. I just kept going with it until it stopped rolling then went back to address the smaller guu left over.

It does take some elbow grease but those ugly plastic runners have been bugging me for a couple years and was well worth the effort.

Here are some photos.

The Heat Gun

Plastic Runner Removed

Guu Balling Up

Progress

Finished Product

Hope this helps!

 

[Frank]

I will be doing this tomorrow.

 

[alexfm]

I didnt think to use a heat gun. I just left mine on, and sprayed over them with bedliner.

 

[dox]

Been wanting to remove mine as well, thanks for the tips.

 

[Nathant78]

im pondering doing this to mine. mines not discolored but i dont like it
i have access to a heat gun as well

 

[travelinthrough]

the best thing to use on that is a stripe remover wheel. it's like a big eraser that you chuck into a drill. just be cautious not to stay in one place too long and burn the paint. you can pick one up at any place that sells body supplies and most parts stores.

 

[Frank]

the best thing to use on that is a stripe remover wheel. it's like a big eraser that you chuck into a drill. just be cautious not to stay in one place too long and burn the paint. you can pick one up at any place that sells body supplies and most parts stores.

Yeah I wish I would have went this route. When I worked at a body shot I used one of these all of the time. They worked great. They run about $30 at a auto part store.

I did mine today. I used a heat gun and it wasn't exact a walk in the park job. It took about 3 hours to do. I ended up going and getting some decal remover to finish the job.

2 things working against me....it was windy and about 40deg out. On a warmer day, I think it would have peeled right off with the heat gun.


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[MCObray]

OP, nice write up! I was thankful enough to land an SE Model where the door plastic trim does not exist.

I will be doing this tomorrow.

Hopefully this is a sign on you not selling your Jeep after all?

 

[MBPXJ]

It definitely still takes some elbow grease and an our or two. When I did mine it was sunny and 70 degrees out and I was working in the garage. I would also heat the 5 inch section up really really hot. When I would be wiping with the wet rag it would have steam coming up. Only once did I hold the heat gun too long and the door panel flexed a little bit, but it was not permanent.

 

[rdonahe]

Nice! I removed mine several months ago and it took a lot of time and Goo Gone/acetone to get rid of the gunk.

 

[Frank]

Hopefully this is a sign on you not selling your Jeep after all?

My vehicles are always for sale. Since 2005, I've probably had over 20 vehicles. The only vehicle I wouldn't sell is my KLR. I haven't found anything greater to replace it that I can afford. Id love a KTM990 Adventure but outfitting it the way I want would be another few grand on top of a ~$10k bike and I cant swing that...

 

[Frank]

Before trim removal by Frank Vest, on Flickr


After trim removal by Frank Vest, on Flickr

 

[drgnhrt1979]

I did this to mine a year or so ago. I like the way it looks without that trim stuff. I used goo gone myself and a razor blade. didnt take all that long but still have a lil cleaning up to do. Also decided to paint the area below where the trim sat, black. it looks a ton better IMO. as soon as I can I will post some pics up of before and after as well.