the rubbing strips are just held on with glue man, pretty easy to take off by all accounts, just need patience and a hair dryer. they look better off mate, the only reason mine are painted is because my car was damaged and theres extra laquer on the passenger 3/4panel so would be too noticable if i toko them off, needs a full respray to take them off. i say ditch them if u can man, its so much smarter! will look great with the stickers off too, so clean!!! she looks great man! no worries on the speakers, just noticed your components and thought u may be interested, let me know sure, i havnt posted them up for sale anywhere yet so let me know in a few days or wotever dude, if u like i'll have my bro test them out to see how they sound if that makes u any happier! keep up the great work dude! the green and clear/silver theme is beautiful man! Phil.