Marauder, Vic & Marq roof insert question....

[Tom Pastian]

If you own a Marauder, Crown Vic or Marquis, this question should help owners of all three at some point;
On each side of the rear window is a metal strip approximately 3/4 - 7/8 inches wide (painted the color of the body). This strip runs from the bottom of the glass to the top, then runs forward to the rear door. On the forward section, rust is starting to show down inside the water channel. Does anyone know if those inserts are removable, and if so, how can they be removed without nicking the paint? I should also ask, if these are removed, is there any problem in reinstalling them?
I want to remove the rust, then prime and paint that area. It could be done without removing those inserts, but if the inserts are removable, one could do a better job of getting at the rusted area.
I've found no videos on youtube regarding this.
Thanks,
Tom in Miami

[RubberCtyRauder]

I believe it is remove able as I had same problem on 03 cv sport and made dealer body shop fix before I would buy. not sure how removed. A glass or bodyman will prolly know or auto glass shop

[Spectragod]

Take the "C" pillar interior trim off inside, there are 5 or 6 bolts (8mm IIRC) that hold them onto the body.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Take the "C" pillar interior trim off inside, there are 5 or 6 bolts (8mm IIRC) that hold them onto the body.

Or the marauder parts hoarder will know.......lol

[Tom Pastian]

To get to the bolts holding the metal roof inserts on the exterior, you mentioned that you need to remove the C pillar interior panels. These are the panels that the rear left and right seat belts go through. I see no screws to remove these panels. Do they pull off? I don't want to damage them if there is a right way to remove them.
Thanks, Tom in Miami

[Spectragod]

To get to the bolts holding the metal roof inserts on the exterior, you mentioned that you need to remove the C pillar interior panels. These are the panels that the rear left and right seat belts go through. I see no screws to remove these panels. Do they pull off? I don't want to damage them if there is a right way to remove them.
Thanks, Tom in Miami

Remove the door seal rubber on the car in the area of the sail panel, from there, you can pull out the spring clip that is attached to the plastic panel, there is another one at the top by the rear window as well.

Pull the top out first, the bottom will take a little wiggling to get it out completely.

[Tom Pastian]

Thanks Spectragod,
I will give that a try as soon as time allows. I will check around that door rubber seal. If it looks like removing the seal will damage the seal, I may just try sanding the rusted area and painting it without removing anything.
I have a 70 montego, and have removed everything including the headliner. Sail panel is small, held on by a couple screws. Newer Mercs are a bit more complicated to me.

http://www.cruisinsouthflorida.com/2008/2008.03.15.MiamiLakes/1000/pages/DSC_7582.htm

http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Ford/1970MercuryMontego.html