Installing top cover - no gap between trim and body to slide retainer strip in

[chrisntam]

I've been trying to install the convertible top cover and I'm unable to slide the plastic strip of the cover between the chrome trim and the body.

The car has been repainted, I believe the trim was masked in place, I surmise the issue is paint build up between the trim & the body.  Or, the trim is too tight to the body for the plastic strip to slide into.  Along some of the length of trim, I am able to slide the plastic under, but for the majority of the length of the trim I can't.

How should I approach this?

I need to clear the gap between the trim and body, but don't want to scratch the paint.

I'd like to use some thin plastic to "cut" into the gap, not sure what to uses or where to get it.

Thought I'd run this by the braintrust here, I can't be the only one this has happened to.

Thanks in advance!

chris.