68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

[Steve W.]

I'm trying to install the Fender / Windshield Trim (and Winshield Door Trim) and having trouble getting the trim in to the clips. The clips keep falling off the fender and down in to the fender. What is the best way to install this trim, any tips?

Thanks!

Steve

[Henry J.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

Steve:

I did this job quite some time ago, with the windshield in place. At first, I had the same problem you are having.

I recall that the original clips I removed had lost their springiness and were too loose when I tried to reuse them, so I bought new ones from one of the well-known parts vendors. I fabricated a simple tool...a bent bar, really... which, when braced against the windshield, held the back of clip in position as I slid the lip of the trim piece under the leading edge.

You've probably noticed this already, but there is a proper top side to the clip. The top side is the one having the leading edge bent upward.

[Henry J.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

Steve:

One other thing, Steve.

According to the AIM (UPC 1 F9) here is supposed to be a small hole in the fender top to accept the "tooth" of the clip. The tooth is intended to hold the clip in place. The fenders on my car did not have the holes. In retrospect, perhaps I should have added them.

[Steve W.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

thanks Henry, I'll try to fabricate something to hold the clips in place while applying pressure to the trim piece. I don't know that a hole in the fender would hold the clip under pressure as it would likely pull out of the fiberglass anyway.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

I'll be getting into this soon. Can someone post a picture of the clips and the location on the car where they go? Thanks.

[Henry J.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

Michael:

Search the Corvette Central website for part 333106. There you will find an excellent picture of the clips.

Please also look at your AIM UPC 1, Sheet F9. See Item 11 and the associated View B.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

Thanks Henry.

[Steve W.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

On the fender clips (little green ones) does the tab side of the clip (the little hole and tab) go on top or under the fender? thanks again,

Steve

[Henry J.]

Re: 68 Windshield / Fender Trim Installation Tips?

Steve:

The side of the clip having the hole and "barb" goes on top of the fender. The "barb" engages the (supposed) small diameter hole in the fender. Once in the hole (if there is one), the "barb" holds the clip in place.

This configuration should result in the curled-up lip of the clip being on top of the fender, facing forward. The lower forward edge of the trim piece slides under the lip of the clip.

It sounds easy but it's not. Good luck.