installing chrome trim

[83cutlasssedan]

Well the car has been painted and i'm trying to put the chrome trim back on the bottom of the doors. there is 4 pieces, one for each door. on each door there is 2 metal clips that screw in, one for each end of the door. Then there are some plastic tabs that hook onto the rivets in the middle of the door. It was a pain getting these off before paint, now I can't figure out how to get them back on without scratching the paint. Anyone done this before? There has to be a way to put these on properly, like they would of at the factory. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[srercrcr]

I've always wondered how it's possible. Maybe the longer the paint dries the better.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Well, the plastic clips can be done with a hammer and a block of wood if you are careful. It depends on which style of clip you are referring to though. Some of them require you to push them up and then hook one end by pushing it to one side. Those can be done with a small hammer and a block of wood so long as you don't hit the paint.

 

[83cutlasssedan]

thanks for the response. I know what your saying about getting the clip onto the door. But after that, how do you install the chrome panel. Do you snap the panel on to the plastic clips that you snapped onto the door, and then...place the metal clips at each end of the panel while pulling outward on the ends of the panel and then bolt the other end of the metal clips in to the door? i know that sounds confusing, I'm trying to get a game plan down before my next attempt. I've already struggled and scratched up the paint more than I'd have liked.

 

[83cutlasssedan]

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/dupperskeez/?action=view&current=033.jpg

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

To get the trim on the clip, you need to put the trim piece on from the side with the "springs" on them (bottom for the sake of argument), then push up a little and push it on. When it is level with the panel, let the trim panel down and it will hook at the top. Then all you need to do is install the speed nuts inside the door, or lock the panel on with the wheel arch trim if it is around there.

From your pic I think the clip is on upside down. And one of them is broken. The "springs" or little tabs need to be on the bottom, at least on a 2 door they do. However, my car uses a different size clip so it may be different.

 

[Blake442]

I second that the clip on the right is broken. However they are installed properly, and aren't upside down.

Once you have some good clips, put them both on the car, and then get the ones for the ends mounted into the trim. hang the trim on the tops of the clips and lightly push downward, and when they start to reach the bottom, give them a push inward to allow them to seat over the clips. Then install your screws for the ends and you're done.

Bummer about the scratches.

 

[TBRtat2]

I would recomend tapeing some paper to the paint, but make sure that you put the tape where you can get it back off (dont put tape where the trim will cover it) Once you get everything on, just pull the tape off and the paper should just slide out from behind the trim.

 

[83cutlasssedan]

Thanks for all your help. It turns out I did have the clips on upside down but got it figured and they are going on pretty smoothly now.