So, two of the side body door moldings got knocked off my All-Trac, perhaps because of age.  These didn't happen at the same time, but over a few years.  The shop manual says to not re-use old molding; unfortunately, new molding is expensive and requires a special UV-activated adhesive.  I am wondering if anyone thinks the All-Trac would look better without the side molding. I've never seen one without body moldings except for that heavily-modified Corolla in Australia http://www.turbocorolla.com/cars/images/larsc_wagon05.jpg.  I am tempted to remove all the side molding.  Removing the molding does leave some stickum on the door but I had planned to paint the car anyway and will probably do repaint the car myself.

I like them personally. The molding delete on that car does look nice, however my car is a daily beater with more rust than paint.

I think it helps add some of the unique 80s flavor that these cars have so much of.

Another thing to consider is whether there will be holes that you need to plug up once the moldings are removed. I know Most hondas are designed that way, but I'm not sure about the other japanese brands.

plug holes sand & paint