Hi Everyone

I have a 2000 Accord LX Sedan that is stock Honda Black and the clearcoat is deteriorated on the hood, roof, fender tops, and doors.

The car only has 78k on it... but no doubt there is paint damage since it lives outdoors in Phoenix. Please keep in mind (as I am) that this is simply a commuter car for me but the damage that shows is now worse than my ego can allow.

I have decided to get a whole car re-paint but could use some help. The plan I have is to de-trim the entire car to get the cleanest job possible. The plan I have is to remove the following and have them painted at the same time:


Front Bumper Cover
Rear Bumper Cover
Driver and Passenger Mirrors
all 4 door handles
Rocker panels
Exterior door trim
washer squirters

I will also remove the following to make it a cleaner job:

Headlights, tailights, all emblems, lock cylinders, hubcaps etc.

What I really could use some help with is removing the following without damaging them.. so I can reinstall

Exterior Window Trims
Windshield Trip
Rear Window Trim
Roof gutter trim

Would someone please post a link on how to do these? or post instructions from Helms?

If it seems like I am going a little overboard.. well I tend to do that AND I really believe that it is human nature to want to do a good job. My gut feel is that when the shop sees the amount of effort that I am going through to get a nice job, the shop will put forth a little extra effort as well.

My goal is to remove any item that touches a surface that will be painted, so only minimal masking is required.

I plan on dropping the car off on 12-22 and will start working on it 12-19.

I appreciate any help that anyone can provide.

Thanks!
Geo