Best 73-80 moldings and trim?

[mikentosh]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

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.

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

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by mikentosh

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

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.

[jlolson]

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.

[75C10]

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