Windshield Molding Clips

[mikester]

Bought a package of molding clips from a parts vendor. Went to put them on my 81 and theres an issue. It seems like the repop clips are a few thousands thicker than the original GMs. At first they wouldnt fit over the rivet/post. I used some 320 and took a little off. I was able to get them on the posts but now theyre too close to the body and the trim wont snap on. No way, not going to fit.
I went to the local junkyard and tried to find some unbroken clips but all of them were trash. Any other options ?

 

[slow 442]

I used these and they weren't too bad. No modifications needed on a 86 442, I ended up doing the front and rear,but the rear lowers are different and were purchased from a member on here.

 

[mikester]

View attachment 201946I used these and they weren't too bad. No modifications needed on a 86 442, I ended up doing the front and rear,but the rear lowers are different and were purchased from a member on here.

Those are the same ones I used.
I just came in from the garage. I compared them to the originals. Thicker in a few places. No way they would fit without modification. In the end I used a Dremel tool and a fine sanding drum. Thinned them down, tweaked them after heating them up a little with a heat gun. I had to do all 4 on the drivers side. Trial and error but I finally got them to hold the trim on. Thankfully the paint came out of this without a scratch. Now I know what to do next time. LOL

 

[motorheadmike]

I thought we were using the A Body clips?

Like these:

Amazon.ca

 

[mikester]

I thought we were using the A Body clips?

Like these:

Amazon.ca

I thought GM switched to the newer style due to the metal clips causing rust.

 

[motorheadmike]

I thought GM switched to the newer style due to the metal clips causing rust.

Your choices are clear: crusty old plastic that fix when it doesn't turn into dust, new plastic that doesn't fit, or metal that works but might rust.

Or glue. You could just glue them on.

 

[88AZSS]

I used the A Body ones and theyre great. Snapped right in and fit perfect, even with my imperfect trim.

As for rust, Im in AZ so thats not a concern for me. The plastics just simply didnt fit for me either.

 

[mikester]

Your choices are clear: crusty old plastic that fix when it doesn't turn into dust, new plastic that doesn't fit, or metal that works but might rust.

Or glue. You could just glue them on.

Done now although Im not sure how long the quarter window trim will stay on the wagon. I switched to the metal style and let the bodyshop put them on. Some feel a little on the loose side. I wont mess with them since they were painted body color. Time will tell.

 

[OldsZZ383]

Bought a package of molding clips from a parts vendor. Went to put them on my 81 and theres an issue. It seems like the repop clips are a few thousands thicker than the original GMs. At first they wouldn't fit over the rivet/post. I used some 320 and took a little off. I was able to get them on the posts but now theyre too close to the body and the trim wont snap on. No way, not going to fit.
I went to the local junkyard and tried to find some unbroken clips but all of them were trash. Any other options ?

There is a store in Mesa, AZ called Space Age Paint, 707 S Country Club Dr. Mesa, AZ 85210, (480) 835-0971. They carry molding clips and other stuff. I bought from them the clips for the rear window moldings for my '81 Cutlass... I even have a few extra ones... You may be able to call them and see if they have the clips that you need.

 

[OldsZZ383]

View attachment 201946I used these and they weren't too bad. No modifications needed on a 86 442, I ended up doing the front and rear,but the rear lowers are different and were purchased from a member on here.

This is the brand I purchased from Space Age Paint, Mesa, AZ. They worked fine on my '81 Cutlass