81-87 body side molding

[75C10]

I have picked up a nice 81 GMC that has the lower chrome molding. Around the taillights area the chrome molding just wraps around under the light and aligns with the tail gate chrome. There is no aluminum corner molding like there is on my 86.

GM brochures from 1981 shows there may have been early models that did not have the aluminum corner molding and wrapped the chrome around the corner under the tail light.

Can somebody confirm there were some early production trucks that did not have the aluminum corner molding and just wrapped the stick on chrome around the corner?

I think K Seymour would know this for sure.

Thanks
Darwin

[kelsfine69]

I did notice that the tailgate moulding was an actual aluminum trim once, then some where down the line it got switched to the plastic side moulding

[Kaysen]

The aluminum trim tailgate molding is a rare piece. I've only seen one and it was on a trashed out parts truck. I'm thinking like 1981 only and for only part of the production run.

[Tilt]

I found a nice one in a parts yard once. It was on a '84 swb diesel. It's cleaned up and sitting in my parts stash. It's the only one I have noticed.

[75C10]

I can concur on the tailgate molding. Found two in PNP yesterday so they are out there. Also have seen a number of 81-87 with no corner molding under the tail light. Plastic molding wrapped around the curve to meet the tail gate.
Found more GM brochures that don't show the corner molding. I bet it was available both ways - with and without plant dependant. Keith S would probably know for sure.

Darwin