Black Pillars

[mrplease]

had anyone ever bought those glossy black pillars from auto accessory? i need some for my aviator and am curious about the quality...

[1QUICKV]

any body take the factory pillar off the car to paint or anything? How does it come off the door?

[AmerLux]

I'd love to know the answer to this also! My black pillars are F-ed. I looked it doesn't seem like they can be removed to paint. Most likely a tape job at any bodyshop, wonder what they'd charge for something so small?

[philly88]

OK, heres the deal. To take off anything that is 3M or glues on in some fashion you need a rag (clean), hairdryer, and WD-40 (other solvents will work but WD works well and doesn't damage paint easily.)

I use to play with motorcycles all the time, sold my last one two years ago though. And lots of accessories on bikes are 3M or glued in some way.

So heat up the item that is to come off. youdon't need volcano heat, in fact too hot and you'll start to damage the paint.

Spray the WD-40 wherever you can around the edge to start the ball rolling. let it all work on its own a bit and be patient. Heat, and more WD. Keep the rag handy to wipe up any overspray. You don't want a huge mess when you're done.

once the part starts coming off, you guessed it, more heat and more WD. Don't go nuts with the WD, but make sure the glue stays a bit wet, and let the heat and WD do the work.

Slowly but surely it will all come off with little effort, but lots of patience. Best of all you won't have screwdriver marks on your car when you're done.

Residue left behind can be cleaned up with...... WD and the rag. A bit more heat if needed. The heat activates the glue, which is what you want, and the WD-40 dissolves it onces its warm and pliable.

This works to take off those AWEFULL dealer stickers on the back of your car too.

So take your time and it can be done easily next time.

[philly88]

after reading my post, I didn't mean to imply that it just falls off on its own. You will have to apply some manual effort, but only with your hand and not with a tool. When you start prying things is when the damage is done.

[TSS]

Originally Posted by philly88

OK, heres the deal. To take off anything that is 3M or glues on in some fashion you need a rag (clean), hairdryer, and WD-40 (other solvents will work but WD works well and doesn't damage paint easily.)

I use to play with motorcycles all the time, sold my last one two years ago though. And lots of accessories on bikes are 3M or glued in some way.

So heat up the item that is to come off. youdon't need volcano heat, in fact too hot and you'll start to damage the paint.

Spray the WD-40 wherever you can around the edge to start the ball rolling. let it all work on its own a bit and be patient. Heat, and more WD. Keep the rag handy to wipe up any overspray. You don't want a huge mess when you're done.

once the part starts coming off, you guessed it, more heat and more WD. Don't go nuts with the WD, but make sure the glue stays a bit wet, and let the heat and WD do the work.

Slowly but surely it will all come off with little effort, but lots of patience. Best of all you won't have screwdriver marks on your car when you're done.

Residue left behind can be cleaned up with...... WD and the rag. A bit more heat if needed. The heat activates the glue, which is what you want, and the WD-40 dissolves it onces its warm and pliable.

This works to take off those AWEFULL dealer stickers on the back of your car too.

So take your time and it can be done easily next time.

Friendly amendment: 3M Adhesive remover (spray) works better than WD-40 and also won't damage paint. But it is expensive. If this is the only job you need it for, use the WD-40. If you have a few projects, invest in 3M. Also, the 3M adhesive remover is great for removing tar/sap from the vehicle too - just be sure to wax the area after using as it removes the wax too.

[1QUICKV]

Well that sounds good but i want to remove the cars stock pillar. not the stupid cover pillar.

[03alldata]

the same here i'm going to have mine painted next week and i need to take them off the car but not sure how

[mikes2nd]

i dont think these are easy to remove.

is the chrome that bad? What color car?

If its silver I think its fine. all the new cares have chrome and I think it updates the look a little.

[gothicaleigh]

Originally Posted by philly88

after reading my post, I didn't mean to imply that it just falls off on its own. You will have to apply some manual effort, but only with your hand and not with a tool. When you start prying things is when the damage is done.

Good advice. We use fishing line after heating the adhesive to "shave" emblems. There is a product called 'Rapid Remover' (most sign shops will carry it) that will dissolve any remaining adhesive without damaging the paint so that the surface can be wiped clean.

Originally Posted by FL01SS

Ya might ask Gothica (member on here) about getting some vinyl pieces to cover the pillars. There's a good chance you could get them in gloss if that's what ya like.

We could cut pillar covers from gloss or flat black vinyl (or really just about any other color) that would be far less costly than those molded pieces. These would work for covering discolored, stained or lightly damaged pillars. Vinyl overlays won't fix gouges, dents or deep scratches though (it's thin, like paint, and will conform to any dents).

[Notaguru]

I've removed many emblems and glued-on items over the years, from many cars. No WD40. I clamp a heat gun at the right height, on a 2x4 screwed to a sawhorse. I then attach nylon line to the item (lots of ways, varies with the situation) and run it over a pulley to a weight (I've use an 8# sledge). Make sure the temp isn't paint-destructive. You don't need a lot of heat, but do need a lot of time. Put something noisy under the weight...

Go read a book... listen for the sledge to fall.

[08CTSAWD]

HA! this thread is classic! I just got a used 08 CTS with those stupid chrome pillars. It's nice to hear other ppl mimic my thoughts on this lame, 65 dollar addition to an otherwise classy automobile. I'll def be getting myself a heat gun, 3M adhesive remover and a nice rag in the coming weeks.

[concorso]

Originally Posted by Notaguru

I've removed many emblems and glued-on items over the years, from many cars. No WD40. I clamp a heat gun at the right height, on a 2x4 screwed to a sawhorse. I then attach nylon line to the item (lots of ways, varies with the situation) and run it over a pulley to a weight (I've use an 8# sledge). Make sure the temp isn't paint-destructive. You don't need a lot of heat, but do need a lot of time. Put something noisy under the weight...

Go read a book... listen for the sledge to fall.

You can use a hair dryer as well, but there are many caveats to using that 'tool'.
Instead of fishing line, you could also use a rubber bakers spatula, or even a credit card. Just remember, the harder edged the tool you are using, the greater the chance for damage.

Patience and propers tools are a must to do it mistake free.


Does anyone still have the old 2003 Pillars? They looked like they were 'brushed' black?

[Rojitaaaa]

yeaaaaa i had the chrome too. yucky. OH THE TROUBLE I WENT THROUGH! everything was fine till i messed up on the last one i was taking off..the skinny one on the back door. half of the black part came off and got all wrinkled so i just took it off completely. If anyone finds out where i can get the skinny pillar for the back door please give me shout.

oh and im NOT looking forward to taking off the chrome from the whole bottom of my cts. I think ill be saving my little muscles and paying someone.