GEN 1 Door window molding / belt molding replacement

[Dewback75]

Hello, my 2013 has some "bubbling" developing in the lower window trim on all 4 doors. It looks like the metal embedded in the trim is rusting / oxidizing / degrading and causing the issue. As far as I can tell, the door panel itself is fine.

I've ordered replacements (apparently it's called belt molding) and am ready to install. Trouble is, I'm not sure how to get the old stuff off. Most of it seems to pop off like interior trim pieces, but some of it tucks under the B-Pillar trim and the other bits of window molding.

I've search the forum and the web for instructions and videos, but have had no luck. Likely I'm not using the right terms. Anyone done this? Anyone have a guide?

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Hello, my 2013 has some "bubbling" developing in the lower window trim on all 4 doors. It looks like the metal embedded in the trim is rusting / oxidizing / degrading and causing the issue. As far as I can tell, the door panel itself is fine.

I've ordered replacements (apparently it's called belt molding) and am ready to install. Trouble is, I'm not sure how to get the old stuff off. Most of it seems to pop off like interior trim pieces, but some of it tucks under the B-Pillar trim and the other bits of window molding.

I've search the forum and the web for instructions and videos, but have had no luck. Likely I'm not using the right terms. Anyone done this? Anyone have a guide?

you will have to pull the window out to replace it. its not hard. there are some videos in the gen 1 section of how to remove the door panel. the window is held in by 2 10mm bolts that you can access through the rubber plugs. you will need to pull the 10mm bolts on the bottom of the window track as well, then the window can tilt and come out

 

[Dewback75]

Thanks for the response @The Car Stereo Company

To be clear, i am referring to the outside trim (attached pics). This still requires removing the window? I’ll search the forum you suggest for more info.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Thanks for the response @The Car Stereo Company

To be clear, i am referring to the outside trim (attached pics). This still requires removing the window? I’ll search the forum you suggest for more info.

yes. you will need to pull the window out first to replace that part, otherwise you can damage it. its not hard to do. i can have the door panel and window out in less than 10 minutes. if you have experience it shouldnt take too long. even if you are inexperienced, i figure it would take you an hour or two

 

[Dewback75]

Thanks. I appreciate the confirmation. I’ll tackle it this weekend and let you all know how it goes.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Thanks. I appreciate the confirmation. I’ll tackle it this weekend and let you all know how it goes.

check the gen 1 section for my videos of taking apart the doors if you need help.

 

[Ezekiel210]

Not to be contrary but I definitely replaced all my belt moldings in less than 5 minutes. Just rolled the window down. Used a prying wedge with a rag & popped em right off. When you remove them it is obvious how they install. Removing them will certainly bend them up but if you are replacing them anyhow then it does not matter. Ford parts were $75 a piece!

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Not to be contrary but I definitely replaced all my belt moldings in less than 5 minutes. Just rolled the window down. Used a prying wedge with a rag & popped em right off. When you remove them it is obvious how they install. Removing them will certainly bend them up but if you are replacing them anyhow then it does not matter. Ford parts were $75 a piece!

if you can do it with just the window down, that would be great. i have never tried it that way. i have always pulled the window out since it only takes a few minutes. i think i have replaced them on 3 trucks so its not like i have spent a whole lot of time with them, but if it works, i think we are all for time saving

 

[weimer]

Not to be contrary but I definitely replaced all my belt moldings in less than 5 minutes. Just rolled the window down. Used a prying wedge with a rag & popped em right off. When you remove them it is obvious how they install. Removing them will certainly bend them up but if you are replacing them anyhow then it does not matter. Ford parts were $75 a piece!

I did mine the same way. The old ones will get destroyed but since you are replacing them it doesn't matter.

 

[Dewback75]

@The Car Stereo Company @Ezekiel210 @weimer thank you all for the input. I just finished installing the replacements and it was super simple. I did not have to take the windows out and the only tool i used was a trim-removal prybar.

The trick is:
1. Pull the belt molding up in the middle and free the end that is NOT under the B-pillar trim.
2. Use the prybar to press on the tab that is holding the trim in place under the B-pillar trim. You are able to flex the piece enough to get at it.

Install, slide the loose end into the rest of the trim then come back and snap the clip at the B-pillar.

Took me 15 minutes. Mainly because i was figuring it out and i had a lot of Raptor Run dirt to clean out.