If you need to replace a windshield, repair a roof leak, or install a new roof rack, knowing how to remove roof moldings on Honda Accord is a crucial first step. This guide will walk you through the process safely, helping you avoid damage to your car’s paint and the moldings themselves.
Roof moldings, also called roof ditch moldings or trim, are the long plastic strips that run along the sides of your roof, over the doors. They protect the seams beneath and give the car a finished look. While removal is straightforward, it requires patience and the right technique.
How To Remove Roof Moldings On Honda Accord
This main procedure applies to many Accord generations, from the 8th gen (2008-2012) to the 10th gen (2018-2022). Always double-check your specific model year, as small clips can vary. The core steps remain largely the same.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the right tools before you start will make the job smoother and safer. You won’t need anything too specialized.
- A plastic trim removal tool set (essential to prevent scratches)
- A small flat-head screwdriver or a pick tool
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A clean microfiber cloth
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Optional: A heat gun or hair dryer
- Optional: New molding clips (good to have on hand in case old ones break)
Safety and Preparation Tips
Before you begin, take a few minutes to prep your workspace and your vehicle. This protects your car and makes reinstallation easier.
- Work in a shaded area or a garage. Direct sun can make the moldings too hot and the adhesive too stiff or too gooey.
- Wash and dry the roof area. This prevents grit from getting caught under the molding or scratching your paint during removal.
- Use masking tape on the roof paint just next to the molding. This gives you a safe zone to rest your tools and prevents accidental slips.
- If the weather is cool, gently warm the molding with a heat gun or hair dryer on low. This softens the adhesive tape, making removal cleaner. Don’t overheat the paint.
Locating the Attachment Points
Honda roof moldings are held on by a combination of clips and adhesive tape. The clips are usually under the molding, snapping into holes in the roof’s metal. The adhesive runs along the lenght to seal and hold it flat.
On most Accords, you will find a plastic end cap at the front of the molding, near the windshield. This often needs to come off first. There may also be a screw or clip under the weatherstripping of the door seal.
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
Now, let’s get into the detailed steps. Work slowly and methodically. Rushing is the most common cause of broken clips or damaged trim.
- Open All Doors: Open the front and rear doors on the side you’re working on. This gives you better access and allows you to peel back the door weatherstripping if needed.
- Remove the Front End Cap (if present): Look at the front of the roof molding where it meets the windshield pillar. You may see a small separate plastic piece. Gently pry it upward with a trim tool. It might just pop off, or it might be part of the A-pillar trim that needs slight lifting.
- Check for Screws: Carefully pull back the rubber door weatherstripping (the seal that runs along the roof edge) where it meets the molding. Look for a Phillips head screw underneath. If you find one, unscrew it. Not all models have this.
- Start at One End: Begin at the front or rear end of the molding. Insert your plastic trim tool between the molding and the roof, right where a clip is likely to be. You can sometimes feel or see slight bulges indicating clip locations.
- Release the Clips: Apply gentle, upward prying force. You should hear a soft snap as the clip releases. Move to the next clip location, working your way down the molding. Use the cloth to protect the paint as you go.
- Address the Adhesive Tape: As the clips release, the adhesive tape will resist. Slowly peel the molding upward. If the tape is stubborn, use more heat along the seam or gently slide a piece of fishing line or a plastic card behind it to cut through the tape.
- Lift the Molding Off: Once all clips are free and the adhesive is separated, you can lift the entire molding piece off the vehicle. Set it on a clean, soft surface.
What to Do With the Old Adhesive
You’ll be left with a line of old foam adhesive on your car’s roof. It’s important to remove this cleanly before even thinking about reinstalling the molding.
Use your fingers to roll off as much as you can. For the leftover residue, use an automotive adhesive remover or a product like Goo Gone. Apply it to the residue, let it sit for a minute, then wipe away with a clean cloth. Avoid scraping with metal tools.
Inspecting and Preparing for Reinstallation
Don’t just put the old molding back on. Take this time to inspect everything thorougly.
- Check the Molding: Look for any cracks, warping, or damage on the molding itself. If it’s brittle, you might need a new one.
- Inspect the Clips: Examine each plastic clip on the underside of the molding. If any are broken or stretched out, replace them. You can buy universal kits or Honda-specific clips online.
- Clean the Roof Channel: Clean the area on the car’s roof where the molding sits. Remove any dirt, old adhesive bits, or debris. This ensures a proper seal.
- Test Fit: Before applying new tape, do a dry fit. Place the molding back on the roof and press lightly to see if all clips align and snap in easily.
How to Reinstall the Roof Molding
If you’re reusing the old molding, you must apply new double-sided automotive molding tape. The old tape will not reseal properly.
- Remove the old tape from the back of the molding completely. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol.
- Buy high-quality 3M automotive exterior tape. It’s usually about 1/4 inch wide. Apply it along the channel on the back of the molding where the old tape was. Don’t peel the red backing off yet.
- Trim the tape ends neatly with a razor blade.
- Align the molding perfectly on the roof. Start by engaging the front end (and the end cap if you have one).
- Once aligned, peel off the red backing from the tape a few inches at a time. As you peel, press the molding firmly onto the roof.
- Work your way down the entire lenght, pressing firmly every few inches to ensure the tape bonds. Then, go back and press each clip location until you hear it snap into place.
- If you removed a screw, reinstall it now. Then, press the door weatherstripping and any end caps back into their proper positions.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with care, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here’s how to handle them.
- Broken Clip: If a clip breaks off in the roof hole, you’ll need to remove it. Use needle-nose pliers or a pick to carefully extract the broken pieces from the hole.
- Stubborn Adhesive: If the tape won’t let go, more heat is your friend. Keep the heat moving and try to get a plastic card started in the gap.
- Bent Molding: If the molding bends or warps during removal, you can sometimes reshape it with careful heat. But if it’s kinked, replacement is best.
- Water Leak After: If you notice a leak later, the likely culpret is improper sealing. The molding must be fully seated and the tape must form a continuous seal. You may need to remove it and redo the tape application.
FAQ Section
Can I remove Honda Accord roof moldings without breaking them?
Yes, you absolutely can. The key is using the right plastic tools, applying gentle heat if needed, and working slowly from one end to the other, releasing each clip deliberately. Rushing almost guarantees breakage.
Do I need to remove the roof molding for a windshield replacement?
Most professional windshield technicians do remove the roof moldings (or “reveal moldings”) on Accords to ensure a proper, leak-free installation. It allows them to correctly place the new urethane adhesive and seal. If your technician says they don’t remove them, it’s worth asking about their specific method for your model.
Where can I buy replacement roof molding clips for my Accord?
You can find them at Honda dealership parts counters, online Honda parts stores, and general automotive sites like Amazon or eBay. Search for “Honda Accord roof ditch molding clips” along with your model year. It’s smart to buy a pack of 10-15 as they are inexpensive and fragile.
How much does a new roof molding cost?
If you damage yours beyond repair, a new OEM molding from Honda can cost between $100 and $250 per side, depending on the model year and trim. Aftermarket options are sometimes available for less. Always compare prices from different online OEM dealers.
What’s the difference between the roof molding and the weatherstripping?
The roof molding is the hard plastic trim piece on the outside. The weatherstripping is the soft rubber seal attached to the door frame. They meet and sometimes overlap. You often need to peel back the weatherstripping to access a screw or clip for the molding.
Final Thoughts
Removing the roof moldings on your Honda Accord is a very manageable DIY task with the right approach. The process centers on patience, proper tool use, and attention to the clips and adhesive. By following this guide, you can succesfully complete the job, whether for repair, maintenance, or as part of a larger project.
Taking your time during removal and doing a thorough cleaning and prep for reinstallation will give you the best results. Always have a few extra clips on hand, and remember that new adhesive tape is non-negotiable for a secure, waterproof fit when putting things back together.