I just got some nice chrome trim for the rear of my 64 special deluxe, which uses the same thin chrome trim that encircles the rear cove panel as the skylark (not the large aluminum filler piece). There are 2 long pieces in between the taillights. What is the correct fastener for these 2 thin long pieces? Are repops available, and if not, have owners adapted other types, for example the thin wire "winged" design that slides into the molding and has a threaded stud? Thanks. Looking for function, not concerned that it must be the original used by the factory. I do insist that they use a threaded stud and nut for holding, though. Any leads appreciated.
I've had several parts cars with different styles of clips/ retainers. I would use the t-bolt style with the threaded stud. There were a couple cars that had original rectangular clips that that slid into the moldings and used a speed nut, and a couple that had a wire clip or plastic clips. If I was able to find them I would take some pictures. Same with the side molding clips you were asking about.
Thanks Brian. I've ordered some of the style that slide into the molding and have a "spring arm" along with a threaded stud, we'll see if they work for the aluminum moldings. For the pot metal "horse shoes" around the taillights, it appears that they have 1/4" studs that take thread cutting nuts. I bought some chincy self-cutting nuts from Pep Boys but they don't want to go on, and I don't want to use excessive force. AMK has a variety of self cutting nuts: were these supposed to be open, or have the long hex that is capped-off? Maybe they are #14 size, instead of 1/4"?
UPDATE: for the chrome "horse shoes" I tried using the Dorman brand 1/4" self-cutting nuts but they looked very poor quality and wouldn't start on the studs, so I went to an auto body supplies store, and let them find me the proper nuts. They got me the same thing (1/4" self-cutting nut) but made by W&E Sales Co, Inc. and the difference was night and day. The W&E nuts went on just fine, and you can just tell by looking at them that they were made much better. Tomorrow I'll try the fasteners for the side moldings and long rear cove pieces that I ordered.
UPDATE: the fasteners I ordered for the long rear cove trim seem to work great. I've also tried these fasteners in the Special Deluxe side moldings and, while a tight fit, seem like they will work for those moldings as well, at least the bulk of the lengths outside of the spears. These are the fasteners I ordered, they have the spring arm, threaded stud, and come with nuts as well. They are advertised for use with 3/4" moldings. Only thing you'd need in a real-deal restoration would be to seal around the sheetmetal openings, as these only come with the stamped metal nuts without sealant. There are probably several companies that offer these fasteners, I just happened to find Florida Auto Fastener through Ebay. About 50 bucks for a box of 50 after shipping, not too bad.
