Chrome Wheel Well Moldings

GMC Jerry · March 16, 2016

Well, I recently traded my 2014 GMC Sierra in for a 2016 GMC Sierra. Went from Blue Topaz to Onyx Black. I've had black before - hard to keep clean, but a real beauty when polished! Anyway, I found some chrome wheel well moldings from Putco. The black vinyl ones just make the vehicle hard to wax without getting any on them. Does anyone know how to get the black OEM vinyl wheel well moldings off? There must be some clips or something besides the screws. I don't want to screw up the OEM moldings (just in case I need to replace them at some point). I've searched the forum, but can't locate anything on wheel well trim removal Thanks.

GMC Jerry · March 21, 2016

Nobody, knows how these things are removed?

16SLT5.3 · March 21, 2016

The fender "flare" or molding is held on by about 6 or so torx head screws on the underside of the flare. On the very bottom of the front flare, you have to remove the fender bolt because there is a metal tab attached to the flare under that bolt.

After you get all the screws out, start at the top or bottom and pull the flare away from the truck firmly. They will pop right off. Very easy to do.

I had to remove my front flares when I trimmed my fenders for my tires.

GMC Jerry · March 22, 2016

I will give this a try. Thank you for your help.

rilcoat · March 26, 2016

Well, I recently traded my 2014 GMC Sierra in for a 2016 GMC Sierra. Went from Blue Topaz to Onyx Black. I've had black before - hard to keep clean, but a real beauty when polished! Anyway, I found some chrome wheel well moldings from Putco. The black vinyl ones just make the vehicle hard to wax without getting any on them. Does anyone know how to get the black OEM vinyl wheel well moldings off? There must be some clips or something besides the screws. I don't want to screw up the OEM moldings (just in case I need to replace them at some point). I've searched the forum, but can't locate anything on wheel well trim removal Thanks.

Use Mothers Carnauba wax and you wont get any residue on the black trim. If you want to keep the black trim nice then use a leather conditioner on it. Works like a damn and lasts.

GMC Jerry · March 28, 2016

Thanks for the tip. I will try this. I have not yet had a chance to remove the vinyl and install the chrome, but hopefully will soon. Thanks again.

rilcoat · March 28, 2016

GMC Jerry, on 27 Mar 2016 - 6:36 PM, said:
Thanks for the tip. I will try this. I have not yet had a chance to remove the vinyl and install the chrome, but hopefully will soon. Thanks again.

Took a picture of my old truck waxed and used the leather conditioner