1948 F-1 hood trim clips: I've been trying to reinstall my (recently polished) hood side spears using new clips from Dennis Carpenter. I've been told that someone makes a tool to compress these clips to facilitate installation. Does anyone know what it's called or who makes it or where to get one? tia
Those clips typically slide into the backside of the moulding. Usually, there's a relief or notch on the backside of the trim to allow this type clip to be used. Ideally, a t-bolt is used at/or near each end to secure the trim from moving on the body panel.
My 41 PU had something similar, and I will offer a precaution, do not insert the clips in the trim and smack the trim strip with your palm or soft blow hammer to set them. It is a better idea to start them in the slot in the hood and then pull them from the bottom with a pair of pliers or vice grips, working them side to side to set them. Easiest with 2 pairs of hands.
FORGET those clips,, ,just use a small bolt (1/4 inch) with a washer in the trim, and bolt it on, or maybe a carriage bolt,...whole lot easier.
Thank you but this is already known and doesn't solve the problem of clip installation. As for a bolt please see last reply. Yes; this kind of damage (by smacking with hand or rubber mallet) is a given which is why I want to be able to install by "pinching" the clips enough to get them into the holes. The clips I got from Carpenter won't go far enough into the holes to allow gripping by pliers. Granted, but if you tighten the nuts enough to stay in place you'll be deforming the trim and I don't want to do that. Thanks for all the answers so far but I'm still looking for a tool to facilitate installation. Someone at a Ford truck only show recently told me about this tool but I didn't ask him where to get one.
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