Fitting exterior trim

[vadas1]

I've been trying to fit new trim to my rebuilt Stag. After a couple of days of grinding away I've fitted the two front horseshoes and lower strip. The upper strip will just not let the edges come in the join with the horseshoes. After a good session with loads of clips, a wooden block, and a hammer I've got the passenger side just about level, the middle level, but the driver's side is sticking out by a good margin. Managed to chip the paint as well! The strip looks like it needs a slightly tighter bend at both extremities. Robsport, who supplied the part, suggest I just keep banging as they found with enough effort they can get them to fit.

Before continuing bashing I'd appreciate any tips that anyone might have. Try another supplier? Keep bashing?

The original strip fits slightly better but has an obvious and visible dent on it. Seems a pity to have to use it in an otherwise pristine car.

Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Ralph

[m9fdb]

I would bond them with window screen sealer and not use the clips as they chip and scratch the paint as you've found out.
The only down side to bonding them on is they are stuck on the car for good and wont come off without damaging them.

[edd]

The trick is to pre fit all the chrome work before paint. I glued all of mine with clear silicone. Use some masking tape to stop the excess going on the body work. My thinking was to stop water ingress. I also used several pairs of horse shoes to get the right fit. The front lower is the hardest I found.

[DJT]

The simple answer is 'they all do that sir'

As far as I'm aware, they all come from one supplier, whoever that is, and are too straight. Another example of poor quality aftermarket parts.

One member on here promised to look into getting them rolled with a tighter curve, but nothing came of it and he has been rather quiet of late.

[rac]

Had the same problem with some of mine especially the front top-tried it dry (without the clips)and although it wouldn't sit quite flush with the horseshoe it was possible to force it into position by hand and fit ok so filled it with clear silicon sealer-wedged it in a couple of places against the garage wall with pieces of wood, next day solid-no chipped paint -no dents thro hammering and hopefully sealed against water ingress as has been said there is not enough curve on them that's the problem. To me not a problem to mask them up if paintwork reqd so long as rust has not taken hold underneath them and if fitted like this water shouldn't get in to start rusting.

[38rover]

Try using some luggage straps round the front panel bed trim in with polyurathane mastic then pull the straps up tight leave for at least 24 hours job done make sure you clean off surplas before it dries you will have problems if you ever try to remove the trim it sticks like s__t to a blanket

[vadas1]

Thanks for the advice and tips. Looks like I'll be sticking them down. The paint guy did say he's used that as a last resort thing. I like the tip about the luggage straps, just got to find some now.

Cheers

Ralph

[Jeff]

I just used masking tape pulled tight at right angles to the strips not along them, worked well.

[richard1705]

yes I went through 3 sets of clips but stuck down with clear silicone at the end held with just insulation tape went on no problems 10 min job
richard

[38rover]

Thanks for the advice and tips. Looks like I'll be sticking them down. The paint guy did say he's used that as a last resort thing. I like the tip about the luggage straps, just got to find some now.

Cheers

Ralph

Look on e bay there for nothing

[Garry]

If the original is not too bad a fit perhaps the dent could be knocked out and then have the strip rechromed. I think a competent rechromer could get the dent out. If you are not too far from Dartford I have two strips going spare that you could collect and try, one brand new and one that could be rechromed.

[Mister G]

The mastic trick works OK to hold everything in place.
I did mine with clips (trim filled with waxoyl then pushed on) then upper seam sealed with non-setting windscreen sealant. Its a bit tricky masking it all up but worth the effort.
This leaves the lower seam of all chromework open to allow any moisture to escape.
John