Exterior Trim - Impact Strip Loose or Missing
File In Section: 10 BodyBulletin No.: 23-10-35
Date: May, 1997
Subject:
Impact Strip Loose or Missing from Body Side Molding (Reinstall or Replace Strip)
Models:
1991-96 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon
1992-96 Buick Roadmaster Sedan
This bulletin is being revised to add the 1994-96 model years. Previous divisional publication numbers were:
Buick 93-10-24
Condition
Some owners may comment that the impact strip on the body side molding is loose or missing.
Cause
Impact strip may not be properly installed.
Correction
Missing impact strip(s) will require that the complete body side molding(s) be replaced following the Service Manual procedures in Sections 10-5 Body Front End, 10-6 Doors, 10-7 Rear Quarter, and 10-8 Body Rear End.
It the impact strip(s) is loose, it can be repaired using the following service procedure:
Impact Strip Removal
1. For ease of removal, heat molding using a heat gun 152 mm (6 in.) from the surface. Apply heat using a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Gradually pull impact strip away from the bright molding. Avoid bending the impact Strip.
2. Lay impact Strip, adhesive side up, on a table with a shop cloth to protect the outer surface from scratches.
3. Clean the back of the impact strip molding with oil-free naphtha or alcohol. Allow cleaner to soak in and then use a scraper to remove any adhesive tape. If adhesive cleaners such as *3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner # 08984 are used, do not saturate the impact strip with these as this could hinder adhesion of the new acrylic foam tape.
4. Use oil-free naphtha, alcohol or 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner # 08984 to clean bright molding. Follow manufacturer's directions for use. Allow to soak in and then use a scraper to remove any adhesive tape and residue. Be careful not to scrape the portion of bright molding that will be exposed after the impact strip is installed.
Optional - Use 3M Scotch-Brite Molding Adhesive and Stripe Removal Disk 3M # 07501 and Roloc & Holder 3M # 7500 to remove the original adhesive tape. Attach the assembled 3M parts to a drill capable of a speed of 4000 RPM. Carefully remove the original adhesive tape from the impact strip and the bright molding. Wipe impact strip and bright molding with oil-free naphtha or alcohol to remove any residue.
Impact Strip Installation
1. Apply 3M acrylic foam tape # 06381 to the impact strip along the length across the top, 2.0 mm (1/16 in.) down from the top edge.
2. Press firmly (wallpaper seam roller, screwdriver handle, thumb, etc.) along the release liner length from the center and work toward the ends and cut any access from the ends.
3. To ensure a good bond, the bright molding temperature should be at least 70°F (21°C).
4. Remove 152 mm (6 in.) of the release liner and apply the impact strip to the bright molding, aligning the forward edge first. Continue removing the release liner and applying the impact strip to the bright molding.
Notice:
Prior to Step 5, cover impact strip or rolling device with a shop cloth to prevent damage to the exposed surface of the impact strip.
5. Beginning at the forward edge, press firmly (wallpaper seam roller, screwdriver handle, can, etc.) several times over the impact strip.
* We believe this source and their equipment to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such equipment. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the product or equipment from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Labor Time
B7855 0.8 hr (One Molding)
Add 0.7 hr (Each Additional Molding)
Time includes replacement of tape and reinstallation of existing impact strip.
Material Allowance: $1.65 for 3M Acrylic foam tape.
Use published allowances and labor times for replacement of complete molding assemblies.