Safest Way to Remove T-Molding from Old Particle Board?

[dgame]

Hi,

I have an old Atari cab that is in overall fair shape. It has laminated particle board sides.

The t-molding has the requisite cigarette burns and some rips in it and I want to replace all of it.

I am concerned about the arrowhead effect where the barbs on the t-molding might destroy the molding groove on the way out.

How do I safely remove the t-molding?

Just carefully rip it out?

Try to slide it out by the ends?

Try something else?

Thanks.

[SirPeale]

You'll never slide it out.  The only way it to lift it out. 

If the wood is too damaged after you remove it you can fix it with Bondo and reroute. 

[drventure]

Could you reroute it with the slot cutter (ie cut right through the old tmold), or would that be too dangerous?

Just wondering really...

[ChadTower]

If the particle board is so degraded that the T molding is going to rip off chunks you are going to have to fix that before putting in new molding anyway.

[channelmaniac]

Heat gun or a hot hair dryer.

Heat up the t-molding and it will be more pliable. Also, if it's glued in it'll help soften the glue.

Just be careful not to damage any art, paint, or Formica on the sizes.

[SavannahLion]

You'll never slide it out.  The only way it to lift it out. 

If the wood is too damaged after you remove it you can fix it with Bondo and reroute. 

+1

Besides, if the T-Molding is that old, there's a good chance it'll just pop right out. My Sega cab's T-molding is literally slipping right out of the cab because the barbs are so compressed they can't keep any tension any longer.

[dgame]

Thanks Everyone,

I'll just be gentle and see what happens.