Side trim with 3m tape the entire length ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**IT Cowboy** · Yesterday, 01:51 PM

I have a couple of pieces of the wide lower body trim that are pulling away in a couple of spots. It looks like they used the stick-on clips but I haven't investigated it.

Are there trim kits that use 3M tape for the entire length of the trim piece so that it molds to the body and are they worth a damn or just problems?

I have used a hood deflector and side window shades on my Tundra and the 3M tape is crazy good for those applications and it hasn't let go.

**Rust_never_sleeps** · Yesterday, 03:38 PM

They used a specific type of clip, and the trim kits I've seen are built to use the same kind.
On my 21st Century cars, things just get stuck on with 3M tape, and maybe that's not a bad thing. It certainly is less prone to retaining moisture behind the trim

**Steeveedee** · Yesterday, 05:21 PM

Aren't some of the fasteners inaccessible when the truck is assembled? I think that's true, so since it's a repaint that could be why they went with double-sided tape?

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · Yesterday, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IT Cowboy

I have a couple of pieces of the wide lower body trim that are pulling away in a couple of spots. It looks like they used the stick-on clips but I haven't investigated it.

Are there trim kits that use 3M tape for the entire length of the trim piece so that it molds to the body and are they worth a damn or just problems?

I have used a hood deflector and side window shades on my Tundra and the 3M tape is crazy good for those applications and it hasn't let go.

Each molding should be installed with no more than 1/3 of the clips the stick-on type, IMO, or face separation. The short pieces get none, nor do the upper fender and tail moldings, or is it mouldings?

. If you pull any, fit them without clips, the bottoms especially bend easily.

From my experience the clips from reputable do the trick BTW. Even OEM stick-on clips need to be sanded a pinch. Replace the adhesive tape with new. NOS is too old, and the reproductions are trash. Use a promoter for sure, though I probably wouldn't apply that on nice paint, not sure it's safe.

**MikeB** · Yesterday, 05:54 PM

I remember seeing a lot of Square body trucks back in the 80s with wavy side trim because the factory used adhesive tape. Probably looked OK for a few years, but 8-10 years later...

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · Yesterday, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Aren't some of the fasteners inaccessible when the truck is assembled? I think that's true, so since it's a repaint that could be why they went with double-sided tape?

Aint that the truth, props anyone able to install the bottom front door clip with the door on. Think I tried, nah....

I think accessible side moldings are limited to the bed, rear cab, upper door (W interior panel off), and lower fender.

**IT Cowboy** · Yesterday, 06:05 PM

The adhesive pads on the clips in my problem area where it is away from the body look like the foam adhesive pad is swollen and pushing away. I washed it yesterday so it is possible the water got in there and messed it up after several years and broke the sticky.

I wonder if gorilla glue or RTV would adhere it lol

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · Yesterday, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

I remember seeing a lot of Square body trucks back in the 80s with wavy side trim because the factory used adhesive tape. Probably looked OK for a few years, but 8-10 years later...

Square<67-72. Only improvement was HEI distributors and SI alternators

....Okay, perhaps electric chokes, that are no-where as cool. Almost forgot mini-starters, but that's all

Sort of kidding, some square bodies are beautiful.

**IT Cowboy** · Yesterday, 09:59 PM

This evening I took the passenger door lower side trim off to see what was going on. It was 2 bolt clips one front and one back and three sick on clips. The stick on clips were the main offenders and causing it to stick out in the middle. I put it back on using just the front and rear bolt clips and it fit much better and is almost tight against the door panel except one place. I just ordered some more of the bolt on clips and I plan to install that in the one place on the passenger door and then eventually do the other trim pieces that don't fit great I hate to drill into the truck but I think it is a better system.

Yesterday, 01:51 PM	#1
IT Cowboy Active Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Clarkdale, Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 138	Side trim with 3m tape the entire length ? I have a couple of pieces of the wide lower body trim that are pulling away in a couple of spots. It looks like they used the stick-on clips but I haven't investigated it. Are there trim kits that use 3M tape for the entire length of the trim piece so that it molds to the body and are they worth a damn or just problems? I have used a hood deflector and side window shades on my Tundra and the 3M tape is crazy good for those applications and it hasn't let go. __________________ '72 C10 / 402 ___________________________________________ Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.

Yesterday, 03:38 PM	#2
Rust_never_sleeps Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: San Ramon,CA Posts: 666	Re: Side trim with 3m tape the entire length ? They used a specific type of clip, and the trim kits I've seen are built to use the same kind. On my 21st Century cars, things just get stuck on with 3M tape, and maybe that's not a bad thing. It certainly is less prone to retaining moisture behind the trim __________________ 1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350 Code: __ ______\|__]\____ ....\|___(o)_____(o)_]

Yesterday, 05:21 PM	#3
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,841	Re: Side trim with 3m tape the entire length ? Aren't some of the fasteners inaccessible when the truck is assembled? I think that's true, so since it's a repaint that could be why they went with double-sided tape? __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

Yesterday, 05:54 PM	#5
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,640	Re: Side trim with 3m tape the entire length ? I remember seeing a lot of Square body trucks back in the 80s with wavy side trim because the factory used adhesive tape. Probably looked OK for a few years, but 8-10 years later... __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

Yesterday, 06:05 PM	#7
IT Cowboy Active Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Clarkdale, Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 138	Re: Side trim with 3m tape the entire length ? The adhesive pads on the clips in my problem area where it is away from the body look like the foam adhesive pad is swollen and pushing away. I washed it yesterday so it is possible the water got in there and messed it up after several years and broke the sticky. I wonder if gorilla glue or RTV would adhere it lol __________________ '72 C10 / 402 ___________________________________________ Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.

Yesterday, 09:59 PM	#9
IT Cowboy Active Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Clarkdale, Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 138	Re: Side trim with 3m tape the entire length ? This evening I took the passenger door lower side trim off to see what was going on. It was 2 bolt clips one front and one back and three sick on clips. The stick on clips were the main offenders and causing it to stick out in the middle. I put it back on using just the front and rear bolt clips and it fit much better and is almost tight against the door panel except one place. I just ordered some more of the bolt on clips and I plan to install that in the one place on the passenger door and then eventually do the other trim pieces that don't fit great I hate to drill into the truck but I think it is a better system. __________________ '72 C10 / 402 ___________________________________________ Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.



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