Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

I couldn't find this question answered specifically in a search so I'll ask - Who makes the best exterior molding and trim packages for the 73-80 C10?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

I'd like to know this also, will be needing it all for my CC dually project. From what I understand there are only one or two manufacturers doing reproductions.

Nate

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

Im curious how the lmc trim goes together with oem trim. My front clip and door trim cleaned up nice but my tail gate and quarter trim was missing when I bought my truck.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

I bought the full lmc kit for my truck, I have not installed it yet. It looks good, but it seems pretty light guage.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

I will need an entire kit for my '80 SWB... so I would like recommendations as well!

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

I purchased mine from www.classicparts.com. Fit was very good and came with double sided tape on sliding tabs on the backside.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

Did the appropriate pieces use the mounting holes, or was it all double sided tape?

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

As far as I know, LMC is the only company that offers the 73-80 trim. I bought some several years back, and it was nothing like the NOS trim I had.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

The kit came with mounting hardware for holes but I just used the double sided tape.

Here is the link to what I bought:

http://www.classicparts.com/1973-80-.../#.VuhKmeIrIdU

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

The issue we've seen with all of the aftermarket trim is the curve around the front marker light on the fenders. The upper part of the curve doesn't follow the fender lines like the OEM trim does. We've also found varying degrees of polish/brightness between pieces even from the same manufacturer.

We've actually ordered a complete set from Brothers, Classic Parts, and LMC and all seem to be from the same source (most came in bags marked with manufacturer name, and some came without any names).

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

Thanks for the feedback. I'll assume Brothers, LMC, and Classic Parts are all the same and go with the cheapest. Just for everyone's information Truck and Car Shop has GM NOS trim in their catalog. Problem is it's 5X the cost of the reproduction stuff. It is out there if someone had the cash.

Thanks again.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

It sounds as if you have done this more than once. I already know that the polish/brightness varies between pieces, but so does NOS trim.

What has been your best solution if you wanted a complete 73-80 trim set?

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

Unfortunately eBay has been the only good option I have found. Managed to pick up 2 complete short box sets over the last year off there.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

Dang, thats lucky. All I find is bits and pieces at crazy prices. I really want to put a new set on my 77. I have several NOS pieces, but not quite a full set.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

As mentioned above check the truck and car shop. They have some '77 GM OE stuff listed still. We were actually thinking of maybe going the '77 route with my project so I was browsing for the yellow trim too :)

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

I will check that out. I can tell you trying to find 77 trim is very hard, and expensive. Unless you find a full set from one source, the probability if it all matching is slim.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

To close this thread out. I ordered my trim from classic parts. In general it was pretty decent and looks good. Pro's: Includes all appropriate fasteners, nice shine, fitment was good in terms of length and width. Cons: trim is thin, included fasteners need to be trimmed in some cases to match pre-existing holes in the body, double sided tape mounts do not secure the trim flush to the truck and don't have fantastic adhesion, had to supplement with 3M stuff in some locations.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

If I may add my comments. I installed a full set on my 75 and the following were my observations.
1. Curved front fender molding fit so poorly I elected to used some original pieces even though the molding finish does not match. It only shows in some light and certain angles.
2. I wouldn't use the metal clips at all. The centre posts on several of mine were loose and removal was difficult. Some of the clips had no "spring" and when inserted into the correct size holes there was no tension to keep them in place. Use original clips if nec or seek out better clips. You will need 5 or so for each front fender. I used no clips any where else - just extra tape and GM plastic moldings along with the screws that the moldings also come with. So far so good.
3. I used the plastic clips with the two sided tape installed and so far I have removed most of the moldings and re-installed them with fresh 0.030" two sided tape. They all came loose. I used isopropanol to prep the paint as well as grease and wax remover. With good tape this procedure works good. You can also use and adhesion promoter. The moldings fit much better (tighter to body) with the thin two sided tape. Use 3/4 inch wide tape. Save yourself some grief and time and don't use the tape they come with. Spend the money and time and use reliable two sided tape.
4. The repro moldings are not perfect but after inspection of many factory installed moldings I would say the GM moldings were not perfect either. I have no experience with NOS parts.
BTW the moldings are easily removed using fishing line. No damage to paint.
Darwin

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

I have nearly (1) full set of exterior dual trim for a 73-80 longbox and an extra pair of LH/RH Shortbox pieces too. The only ones I'm missing are the 3" ones that go on the cab just before the doors. It is tuff to find them all-all of mine I've had for 22+years but them dang small ones I'm missing!

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

Regarding NOS side molding, I can tell you it's not much better than what's on the market in appearance. The aftermarket is much thinner and the sheen is different, but at least it matches.
I have several pieces of NOS 77 and more 73-80 and it's not perfect in color or sheen either.

Re: Best 73-80 moldings and trim?
 

It was suggested to me to call LMC and ask for "Motowell Trim", not sure what the difference is, I assume it is a brand?