66 Coronet 500 Trim Levels

[Piranhaz]

Hey all,

I'm looking at a 66 Coronet 500 hardtop and it is a pretty unmolested car for the year, but I noticed there is no trim on the trunk lid or trunk extensions. Just the DODGE letters on the trunk. I have been searching and it appears every 500 I look at should have the trim panel that goes across the back along with trim pieces around it and another row around that. I don't see any holes in the lid or quarter extensions. Is it possible they were just filled? Or could you get a 500 without it? I'm seriously thinking about passing on the car because that part is so hard to find.

Any thoughts?

 

[Durandal25]

Dodge 500 trim is almost impossible to find. I have a 67 500 Convertible and I do have some extra trim for the front right and left fenders, but the rear stuff is so hard to find.

 

[Piranhaz]

Dodge 500 trim is almost impossible to find. I have a 67 500 Convertible and I do have some extra trim for the front right and left fenders, but the rear stuff is so hard to find.

As far as I know (which I don't know the 66's very well) the rest of the trim is all there. At least from looking at other pics on the web, it appears the trim missing is on the trunk area. Not a great pic, but it's all I have.

 

[RemCharger]

I have one, no trim.
Someone removed it through the years, same as what you're talking about.

 

[Durandal25]

So here's a good pic of whats missing.

 

[Durandal25]

I'd bet the deck lid trim is all that's missing. The 67 replaced the side markers with indents and added a ton of belt-trim.

 

[YY1]

That looks like a WL or WE series trunk lid (rather than the WP "500" level of your car), as there is zero trim or holes.

Probably replaced at some point and that's what they could find.

For some reason, that trim (and the front grill surrounds) get the hell beat out of them.

 

[YY1]

...or someone dechromed it on purpose.

 

[Piranhaz]

That looks like a WL or WE series trunk lid (rather than the WP "500" level of your car), as there is zero trim or holes.

Probably replaced at some point and that's what they could find.

For some reason, that trim (and the front grill surrounds) get the hell beat out of them.

That's kinda what I was thinking also (that the trunk lid was replaced). So what are my options as far as replacing the missing pieces? I didn't find any OER stuff out there. I can't be the only one that has this issue. Just run it like it is and enjoy?? I'm not looking to flip it. Just want another cruiser and I like the fact it has buckets and console.

 

[Don Frelier]

If you really like the rest of the car, then don't skip over it because of 1 piece of trim.
With time and some luck you find the missing part. (That can be part of the fun)
Short term I would do some painting on the decklid in that area it could look a whole lot better.

 

[Piranhaz]

If you really like the rest of the car, then don't skip over it because of 1 piece of trim.
With time and some luck you find the missing part. (That can be part of the fun)
Short term I would do some painting on the decklid in that area it could look a whole lot better.

Yes, I'm kinda leaning that way. Maybe I can design something myself to make it look better. It doesn't look terrible without it either though.

 

[Durandal25]

....on the upside, it does affect price. Good negotiating tactic. If you get this car, I'll help you find the trim sir.

 

[Piranhaz]

....on the upside, it does affect price. Good negotiating tactic. If you get this car, I'll help you find the trim sir.

Much appreciated! I'll post here if I bring it home.

 

[Sam69sat]

I'd make sure it's a 500. Does it have the wheel well chrome (hard to find), chome along the rocker panel, qtr panel side emblems, 500 vin? If it's a real 500 i wouldn't pass just because of the missing trunk trim and tail light extensions. Those can be found if you keep an eye on craigslist, facebook marketplace, ebay, and the for sale section of this site. I've seen all that stuff for sale. Just use those missing parts as an excuse to get a better deal on the price.

 

[Piranhaz]

I'd make sure it's a 500. Does it have the wheel well chrome (hard to find), chome along the rocker panel, qtr panel side emblems, 500 vin? If it's a real 500 i wouldn't pass just because of the missing trunk trim and tail light extensions. Those can be found if you keep an eye on craigslist, facebook marketplace, ebay, and the for sale section of this site. I've seen all that stuff for sale. Just use those missing parts as an excuse to get a better deal on the price.

Yes, real 500. Has all that other chrome and fender tag is in tact. I'll see what I can do

 

[moose1]

Probably the trunk lid from a 440 model?

 

[Dave6T4]

It should have bucket seats and console if it is a Coronet 500. 1967 trim is completely different.

 

[Piranhaz]

It should have bucket seats and console if it is a Coronet 500. 1967 trim is completely different.

It does.

 

[Sam69sat]

I think it looks good either way for a driver. 99.9% of people wouldn't have a clue the tail trim is missing. I picked up a 66 Coronet 500 shell for super cheap. It was missing the trunk, tail light extensions, and doors but it had all glass and chrome minus the rocker pieces. I don't have the funds to buy all the correct 66 parts but i have a bunch of extra 67 stuff so i'm going to make it into a 66/67 hybrid. I know some people hate that idea but i'm not going for a show quality car. Just a cool looking fun driver on a low budget.

 

[Piranhaz]

Thanks to all the comments. Makes me feel a little better about buying it. The style is really growing on me. I have 70 Coronets now, so I am well aware of the "one year only" issues LOL.