What is correct for 71 GS side molding? See pics. What was on my car when I got it is the type that attaches to the body with small screws that hold the channel down and a separate black insert slides in. I have pictured the screw on type and the clip on type that depends on the body having the studs already in place. What do I have pictured here? IMG_3246 by azstage1 posted Aug 21, 2017 at 9:39 PM IMG_3247 by azstage1 posted Aug 21, 2017 at 9:39 PM IMG_3245 by azstage1 posted Aug 21, 2017 at 9:39 PM IMG_3248 by azstage1 posted Aug 21, 2017 at 9:39 PM
If the car came from the factory with body side moldings, the car will have studs and the molding will essentially clip on. The molding on the left looks like the factory style. The other two styles are what I refer to as the dealer installed type. Back in the day, new and used car dealers would install those type of body side moldings after the fact as a selling feature.
Jason is correct. The one on the far left in the top pic and the bottom one in all other pics is factory body side molding.
Do the 70 thru 72 all have the same appearance if factory installed? I already have small holes drilled in the body for the dealer installed type. Is it possible to find screw in style studs that can allow for mounting of the factory style trim?
Yes, they came with my Magna stud welder. The part # is 12191. You'll need a stud welder to install them, but I'm sure that any body shop would be able to do it for you. As long as there is no paint where the studs go and you know exactly where they need to go, it would only take a few minutes to install all of the studs.
I've been told the cross sections are different, '70 versus '71-'72, but don't have any evidence for this.
That I don't know. I wonder of the parts book would show the same number for all three years. Even of the 71/72 are slightly different, finding a complete set in good shape might prove to be difficult. So just buy the best set you can get your hands on regardless. Even if, I'd be surprised of anyone would be able to tell the difference besides Duane. Personally, I think the car looks better without them. The lines look so much cleaner
Generally, I agree with you, here is my exception to that rule: bamboo creme. As they say, too much of a good thing can be bad for you, this is especially true of bamboo creme. The side moldings provide a nice contrast to all that "cremey" goodness when viewing the car from the side.
You are correct that the rubber portion of the molding has a slightly different cross section on a '70 versus '71-'72. Unfortunately I don't have a photo to back this up but I've seen them side by side and there are two different designs. I'm not sure if this was a running change during the '70 or '71 model year to switch to the 2nd design or if they made a hard change at the beginning of the '71 model year. Someone would really have to be looking closely to ever spot the difference that's for sure.
I think I have several used and a couple NOS of the original style but not sure which 70 or 71-72 and maybe a mix of both. I had them removed off my GS when it was painted and almost had the vinyl top removed.
