88 740.

I want to repaint the trim around the windows black as it has started to flake away. I started pulling up on several pieces but some souldn't budge. What gives? Errr..what will make it give? Mainly I don't seem to be able to get the pieces off directly beneath the side windows. Any suggestions.

jes

uh oh. I should have specified that it is the exterior trim that if giving me problems.

yup. you might break it.
See the big slot? Turn it 90 degrees with a flat head. Take off the window switch (if so equipt) and all plastic around it. You must remove the top of the interior door handle: Right in the middle of it is a little piece of rubber with a small hole in it which hides a small screw. You can remove that little pice of rubber by prying with a screw or something. Unscrew the doorlock cap.
Next, remove the cover on the little red safety light. Right below the lightbulb is a little clip that easily slides out.
Now, get under the door and look for little white clips (I believe all 700's from 1985-1988 are the same) you can pop those out with a screw driver, but don't break them.
I believe you are ready to lift UPWARDS on the entire panel.
Once the panel is separated from the door, unclip the wires and move on to your painting project.
Have fun!

The piece directly beneath the side quarter-window either comes straight out (towards-you and away from the window) or straight up - cant remember exactly which. The tar-type substance used to seal the glass typically sticks to the pieces - which makes it difficult to remove. As I said, pry gently in either of the 2 directions mentioned above until it moves.

The pieces have 2 plastic screws (soft-thread to grip) moulded into it - that goes into corresponding holes in the body - and that's what you want to be careful not to break. Remembering those screws makes me think that pulling straight-out is the way to go. So try that first.

Most of the other pieces you need to pry off. Use a non-metallic instrument to pry them off as you're bound to scratch the paint.

Best way to figure this out is to visit a pick-n-pull yard and practice on a wreck first. Dosn't cost you anything except the entrance-fee ! You may even find good trim, saving you the paint-job. I recovered all the trim from a wrecked car and it cost me $10 !

Noel