Exterior chrome trim - how to

[cadyjl]

1968 Road Runner. My husband passed away and my son took over the restoration. He has brought it home to me but did not put the exterior chrome trim back on (it was removed for the painter). This is the chrome that goes around the windows. He made an attempt but chipped a small section of paint and now doesn't want to complete for fear he will do it again . I have polished the chrome but don't know how to install. Does it need a special glue or ???? Any advice/suggestions are appreciated.

Update - I think I may have worded this incorrectly. The chrome trim I am referring to does not go around the windows. It goes above the windows on the body of the car itself, from the roof down.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Well…it’s not easy. First, CAREFULLY remove the interior door panels. Look at the window crank area. Right next to it is a flat head screw with a lock nut around it. Note its exact position. That is the “up stop” for the window. Loosen that nut and turn the screw so the window can roll down (too far) inside the door. Now you have access to install the “cat whiskers” on the inside & outside of the door glass. Reverse process and put screw/nut back in original position. IF you have the optional “belt line molding”, those clips just press into the holes in the door. Line them ALL up and push them in

 

[cadyjl]

Well…it’s not easy. First, CAREFULLY remove the interior door panels. Look at the window crank area. Right next to it is a flat head screw with a lock nut around it. Note its exact position. That is the “up stop” for the window. Loosen that nut and turn the screw so the window can roll down (too far) inside the door. Now you have access to install the “cat whiskers” on the inside & outside of the door glass. Reverse process and put screw/nut back in original position. IF you have the optional “belt line molding”, those clips just press into the holes in the door. Line them ALL up and push them in

Thank you, it certainly doesn't sound easy!

 

[ruffcut]

First, beautiful car! Next, too bad you can't enlist the help of a person who knows how this goes together. I can't blame your son for not wanting to chip anymore paint! Some macking tape over the adjecent areas of the stainless trim would aid in protecting the paint during this process.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Slow and steady wins the race.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

That’s a beautiful car. Take it to a professional restoration shop. It won’t take them but a couple of hours. I wouldn’t imagine it costing more than 250 bucks.

 

[OMTWF-72SE]

I know this isn't preferred, but you might repost this with Arizona in the thread title. I haven't been in the club in phoenix in a while but I recall that there were folks in Wickenburg, Kingman and Bullhead City. someone is probably lurking on here besides me. I'd help but that's not my body style. Maybe someone will step up.

 

[cadyjl]

First, beautiful car! Next, too bad you can't enlist the help of a person who knows how this goes together. I can't blame your son for not wanting to chip anymore paint! Some macking tape over the adjecent areas of the stainless trim would aid in protecting the paint during this process.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Slow and steady wins the race.

Thank you !

 

[coloradodave]

Would you please put a piece of tape on the car where these pieces are to be installed? I'm thinking they're different from what we're talking about. Blue masking tape lightly applied and then removed will help. Also a picture of the trim will help.

 

[oldbee]

I’ve forgotten, do you have a copy of factory service manual? It can even help for people not used to our old cars(in fact,probably mandatory).

 

[cadyjl]

Would you please put a piece of tape on the car where these pieces are to be installed? I'm thinking they're different from what we're talking about. Blue masking tape lightly applied and then removed will help. Also a picture of the trim will help.

I do not want to put any tape on this beautiful paint job . I will get a pic of the trim asap. Thank you.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

I do not want to put any tape on this beautiful paint job

Blue painters tape wont hurt it.

 

[cadyjl]

I’ve forgotten, do you have a copy of factory service manual? It can even help for people not used to our old cars(in fact,probably mandatory).

I do have the service manual, just have to find it again . My son brought everything back but I am not sure where he put it. Thanks for the suggestion, it may help.

 

[cadyjl]

Blue painters tape wont hurt it.

I may have some. Will try tomorrow.

 

[cadyjl]

Would you please put a piece of tape on the car where these pieces are to be installed? I'm thinking they're different from what we're talking about. Blue masking tape lightly applied and then removed will help. Also a picture of the trim will help.

 

[cadyjl]

View attachment 1787544

The chrome trim goes in the channel right below the blue tape

View attachment 1787544

The chrome trim goes in the channel right below the blue tape you suggested I include in the picture.

 

[oldbee]

Blast it,,, when I took off my chrome for painter, he said just leave that on. He taped that off. @beebest might help if he sees this post

 

[beebest]

They can be a little tough to put on. I started with the windshield part of the drip rail, as it was the easiest piece to put on. Hook piece on the top of drip rail and pound on using base of your hand. Never use a mallet as you may damage the molding. Next was the hardest piece for me, until I figured it out, then not too bad. It was the J shaped piece on the end by quarter window. You will need to roll done the rear window. partially remove the rubber that window seals into and remove a couple of the trim screws holding stainless piece that rubber seats in. This will allow you to install the J piece as it has a tab that goes under the stainless piece that holds the rubber. It will go slightly under the long drip rail and also has a screw that will hold it in place. Now take like the long piece making sure the curve fits where you are about to install it, with end slightly over J piece, mine was about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch. (Curve of drip rail will dictate this). Start the upper lip at J end and keep feeding the upper lip as you pound the lower lip on with the base of your hand. I had to slightly crimp end covering J piece to keep it on tight. The last piece was the small piece that covers the gap where windshield piece and side piece come together. Tape areas off that may get damaged during install or have a helper assist. There may be better, easier, or more correct way to do this, but that is how I did mine.

 

[oldbee]

I knew Ed had ideas!! Also, at bottom edge of my original above the door glass edge they’re fairly heavy indents like from a blunt chisel at a couple places. I’m original owner, so I know I never did them; had to be factory.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

I would take it to a reputable body shop if you are worried about scratching up the paint. If they mess it up its on them to make it right. If you mess it up,……..well. That is too nice a car, and it’s worth a considerable amount, to be experimenting with your first time doing trim work.