Repop molding quality

[FlameOut]

A while back I bought a complete molding kit for my 72 and now I'm finally ready to start installing it. The LMC catalog is perfect for showing what clips go where. The problem is, the molding seems really cheap, as do the clips. I already have a dent in a piece of tailgate molding, I guess from applying too much pressure while over one of the clips.

Anyone that has installed this aftermarket molding, do you have any tips? Such as drill bit sizes needed? Also, once these clips/molding are installed on the truck, is there anyway to remove them?

Specifically, the C&D clips in this link. They push into the hole and expand
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=49

[leddzepp]

Use a step bit for drilling, it won't "twist" the sheetmetal causing the paint to chip.

[FlameOut]

I used a step bit and got all of the holes drilled on the tailgate (didn't attempt side molding yet)
I installed all of the pieces of the tailgate molding and every piece now has dents where the clips enter the tailgate. This metal isn't much thinker than a few sheets of paper

Are there multiple manufacturers of this tailgate trim? I hate spending another $90, but the set from LMC is garbage and I can't leave it like this

[russgoodman]

Originally Posted by FlameOut

I used a step bit and got all of the holes drilled on the tailgate (didn't attempt side molding yet)
I installed all of the pieces of the tailgate molding and every piece now has dents where the clips enter the tailgate. This metal isn't much thinker than a few sheets of paper

Are there multiple manufacturers of this tailgate trim? I hate spending another $90, but the set from LMC is garbage and I can't leave it like this

Mar-K makes their own. Much better quality I think as I've seen some in person installed.

[davepl]

Upvote for Mar-K and step bits.

The only parts Mar-K don't have, so far as I found, was the curved pieces for the cab. You still need to get LMC stuff for that.

[tonkatrux2]

mar-k only nothing else can compare.

[FlameOut]

Thanks, I'll be giving them a call on Monday. I wish I had done that in the first place, rather than flushing money down the toilet on that lmc crap

[Clavo106]

Ha. I was thinking the same.. I just got my grill from my vendor just the other day..its tri plus and man its nothing like the original. . Night to day... next time ill up for mark k.. and jive that a shot!.. for now ill cruz what I got..

[71meangreenc10]

Tip on the tailgate, stick something between the clip and the trim and push on it easy. I take some tape and roll it up and use it as a filler. Goes right in.

Smitty

[vics stuff]

I have heard that Mar-K is the best for repop trim. As for myself I have collected all NOS upper and lower body trim for my 72 short box build . Have seen to much junk floating around and only want to do it once.
Vic

[NC_John]

Don't waste your money on counterpart stuff. I have been disappointed with every piece of trim I got from them. It's barely heavier/thicker than aluminum foil.

When I hit my head hard enough and do the frame off I'm going all NOS or Mar-K.

[tonkatrux2]

I would put their repop trim right with nos it's that nice and fits that well. It's not cheap thin crap. You will be impressed when your box of trim showes up in a wood box all the trim packaged in its own sleeve then set in foam. Theirs come with everything including clips.

[CUSTOM/10]

Another vote for Mar-K

[chewychevy67]

Me too. Mar-k for my build and I am super happy with the fit!

[snipescastle2]

After I installed three sets, "3" of them, (the tail light bezels) I came to the same conclusion, counterpart pieces are garbage. might as well be hanging tinsel from the Christmas tree rather than use that garbage.
Ben

[FlameOut]

I installed all of my side trim today, without too much trouble, then decided to try the tail light bezels (from the lmc tailgate kit) Wow, what a nightmare. Bezels are junk and the clips are even worse. It's bad enough having to drill holes in brand new, painted metal, but when things don't line up, it makes for an interesting time. Does Mar-K sell the tailgate trim as a complete kit? I was only able to find everything sold separately while navigating their site. I'm assuming (hoping) that their tail light bezels are also much better than the other stuff being sold out there

I'm kind of wishing I had just gone with one color and no trim, but a little late for that now

[FlameOut]

Looking further at Mar-K site, it looks like the tail light bezels aren't reproduced by them, so they may be the same junk as LMC. Has anyone just drilled a couple extra holes in the bezels and just used screws to mount them, rather than those clips? Can they even be removed once installed with clips? Same with the tailgate trim, how do I even get them off now that they ate install3d?