Topic: Rocker panel molding clips (front)

[Angela]

Hi. I'm looking for advice concerning:
(a) any tips/tricks you guys have learned to ensure the front rocker panel molding clip (1 curved clip per side) does NOT come loose from the molding during or after install of the molding. Some sort of adhesive perhaps? I have NOS clips, but I don't trust that they're going to stay put into the molding.
(b) General tips/tricks to installation of the rocker moldings? IIRC, I believe Charles suggested to first install the from clip, then seat the molding to the remaining clips by rolling the molding onto them from the top first. No hammers should be used. :-) Is this correct?

[gtamustang]

I have never had an issue with the NOS clips and NOS rocker panel molding. The front end clip (the one that holds the stud) snaps into the rocker panel. It should be a tight fit and not loose like the crappy reproductions.

As for installation, the approach that you mention from Charles has worked for me. I first align the rocker panel front with the clip with the stud going into the fender hole, then more or less set the rocker panel on the top of the rest of  the mounting clips, making sure to catch the edge of the rocker panel to the clips. Finally, with a firm press of my hand on the bottom of the rocker panel on to the bottom edge of the clips, I snap the rocker panel to each clip from the front to the back. Sometimes I have to hit the panel with the outside of my fist to snap it it place, but not a knockout kind of hit!

Regards,
Pete Morgan

[Angela]

Thanks for the feedback. Like I said, the front corner clips were removed when the moldings were re-anodized and I'm not very comfortable with how well (not) the clips stay in place once reinstalled into the moldings. I could have sworn someone said something about using a 3M panel adhesive product to ensure those front clips stayed in place. Am I mistaken?

[67gtasanjose]

Thanks for the feedback. Like I said, the front corner clips were removed when the moldings were re-anodized and I'm not very comfortable with how well (not) the clips stay in place once reinstalled into the moldings. I could have sworn someone said something about using a 3M panel adhesive product to ensure those front clips stayed in place. Am I mistaken?

I don't know why, but fairly sure on original replacement Ford moldings you may have bought at your local dealership years ago, (before going obsolete) the front, curved plastic retainer was originally installed at the manufacturer, not by the installer. The installer had to insert the front stud only. I cannot remember the other rectangular clips coming with the new Rockers when I have bought them, but I do remember THOSE clips being available by themselves (but not the front ones)

I would need to wait till I get home to look, but the front clips I believe were crimped into the front ends of the moldings, if I am not mistaken

[Fastback2013]

I would need to wait till I get home to look, but the front clips I believe were crimped into the front ends of the moldings, if I am not mistaken

I am not sure if you're needing these pictures, but since a picture says more than a 1000(?) words...
2 pictures of my original front clips.
kind regards,
Jeroen

[67gtasanjose]

I am not sure if you're needing these pictures, but since a picture says more than a 1000(?) words...
2 pictures of my original front clips.
kind regards,
Jeroen

Yes, that shows the clips are "staked" into place, that is what I was thinking when I said "crimped" in my last comment. I can only comment about the ones I removed from mine, they were replaced in '79, bought from Ford and the front clips were already "staked" into place when unwrapped new.

[Fastback2013]

Glad of being some assistance 
no panel adhesive found (just mentioning)
Kind regards,
Jeroen

[ruppstang]

No adhesive used. I have never had one come loose once it was assembled.
Marty

[Angela]

How well, if at all, do the Scott Drake kits fit?    http://www.drakeautomotivegroup.com/Store/Product/C7ZZ-6510182-KR.aspx?wid=141

[bastille_stango]

Ask NPD as I think they have NOS end clips (or maybe it comes with the original molding they sell : 
 https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/molding_rocker_panel_lh-100055-1.html )