Technical Trim Clip Help Needed

I am trying to install the tail fin trim on the '59 Ranch Wagon but having difficulties with the retaining clips. The clips need to be installed on the body first and then the trim is pushed onto the clips and the trim snaps into place on the clips as I understand it.

The center portion of the clip on the body side fits into the hole and then by spreading the back side open, the body side of the clip in the hole will "****erfly" open and thus holding the clip in place.

I have done this repeatedly with multiple clips and multiple holes but the clips will not stay in place. I have reshaped the portions that spread open hoping to get a bigger spread when the clip opens up to catch on the body, but no luck.

Anybody see a problem with my approach or have suggestions. Its almost like the holes in the body are too big, but its all stock original.

 

Used clips of that type don't work very well, good luck trying to find some NOS ones.

 

I would give Restoration Specialties & Supply, 814-467-9842, and ask if they have new clips, that might be your issue. They also have a great catalog.

 

Another option if you can't find new clips, is to drill holes and install the old clips with 2 pop rivets. One in each end of the clip with a small washer over the slot that the rivet goes through. I have done that when new clips were not available on other cars.

 

Great idea! I will think about this approach. Thanks

 

you need pliers like these.
or get some cheaper pliers and a grinder and make some.

Also DC sells the version of these clips with screws


You just really need like every other one. use some black body sticky on the left over holes.

 

you can try to reach around through the interior and flatten front the other side while some hold something against the outside clip.
also use the body sealer on these when they are in place otherwise you get water in the body.

These also can be bolted in if you run a bolt and do the reach around to get to them with a nut, but have a helper!

 

I happened to have the windoe open and they have some through the DC cat.

 

There are actually THREE types of clips to hold that piece on. All of the usual catalog sites are wrong. Every single one just lists ONE clip for the whole piece.

I agree on Restoration Specialties, if anyone would have it, it is them. Do you have the trim guide for the '59? I have one possibly in the garage, I'll look later.

 

I do not have the trim guide. That would be a great help. I have all the original clips, but darn if I can see any difference in the two similar clips. I think the third clip is the on on the end near the reverse lamp which has a threaded stud.

 

Typically, long pieces will only utilize threaded T-bolts near each end of the trim. The rest of the clips are usually as shown in previous posts. If you are having difficulty getting the clips to seat tightly in the factory holes, I wouldn't hesitate to carefully "stake" them with a small pop rivet or screw.

 

I will stumble out in a bit, I think I know where it is. Half the battle...

 

If you are rich, buy these https://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Universal-Moulding-Fastener-10-24-X-3-4-Bolt-p/a19378.htm
or just make them. I use stainless, cut to size, weld in a small stainless bolt

 

.....Excellent resource.

 

$20 for 25 doesn't seem so bad....

 

yeah, its not the money. I can make a bunch of them quickly and dont have to wait on shipping. Same with putting new tires on rims. I can do it at home a lot quicker than waiting in line at a tire store

 

Most auto body supply shops have an ***ortment on display, the down side is you usually have to buy a box of 50 of the little ******s.

 

Or you can just run a stainless steel sheet metal screw through the center of the clip. It spreads open the tangs. I like to use some windshield ribbon around the holes too. It won’t harden or crack.

 

I was able to get this sorted today. The good news is I was able to use most of the original clips and as designed. With enough body sealer on the clamping side of the clip the clips hold. I was trying to install them dry and then put the sealer over the top of the clip. You wouldn't think that the body sealer would make the clip hold better but it does. They are solid and the trim snaps into place. I had about 3 clips that I ran a self tapping screw thru the middle and then backed it up on the inside with a "U" nut.

 

Ford used some sort of red sealant on the clip installations. Some clips I got with trim, it was still pliable.