New rear side panels

[asolde]

Need some advice on how ot install these panels in my truck. Seems like they are to tight to fit into the chrome strip. In other words the panels are to high with the carpet installed on the wheel well housings to fit nicely into the chrome strip. Any ideas or what have you done to install your panels?

1) Elongate the mounting holes on the chrome strip to gain about an 1/8" higher in mounting the chrome strip. That would loosen the fit up a little but the chrome strip will be even with the top of the bed rails. Shouldn't look bad.

2) Take the carpet off the wheel well housings. Gonna be hard because I glued them on. But I would gain the thickness of the carpet and loosen it up a little.

3) There is no way for me to trim the panel so thats out of the question.