I am currently looking for a mid 80's 2wd street truck project. I like an XLT for the V8, auto, and nicer interior. But I'm not crazy about the side molding on these models. I'm wanting a cleaner look(like an XL/Custom). When did Ford start using adhesive trim instead of trim with clips in the body for the F150? I figure using the heat gun to get rid of the glue would be easier than the body work on the holes in the body. Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks

 

Well to answer your question it was 87. However you don't have to get an XLT for the V8. You can get them in the base, XL, Custom, and XLT. Just like the 4.9l 300 I6 can be had in the XLT trucks. Hope this helps. Also if the truck was 2 toned originally you got side mldgs. Even on the lower end trucks like the XL and Custom.

 

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Actually, 1985 was the first year.

Some of the 1985 - 1986 Lariat models used upper body side moulding that was held in place by double stick tape:

 

The parts catalog (Exterior Molding in Illustration Section, Pg. 7) shows it for 1980+, too.

 

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It looks like ctubutis and NumberDummy are right. But you know, I have NEVER seen a truck with the 1980 style pressure sensitive moulding shown in that diagram.

 

While the upper mldgs. of the 80-86 trucks were held on by two sided tape, the lower trim was held on by clips. They were originally held onto the body using a weld on rivet.
Then when a panel was replaced people would drill an 1/8th" hole and attach the clip using a standard 1/8th" rivet. Oh and the piece of the that went around the upper wheel arch bodyline was held in place using barrel clips that were inserted into more hole. So to simplify they answer to his question I stated that 87 was the first year. The only exception on those trucks would then be the tailgate applique. Which used at least studs and acorn nuts around the outer side edges (meaning near the taillights). Then plastic clips and either weld rivets, screws, larger clips I forget what exactly. But my point is that to remove the aluminum trim from the tailgate would leave more exposed holes. These were found on the XLT and XLT lariat trucks up until the 96 MY for the 150 and 98 on the 250 hd and 350 trucks.

 

86 XLT lariat here. lower trim (runs along lower body line and over wheel arches) is all held on by clips mounted with holes in the body. I kind of wanted to get rid of it but its all there and in good shape, it would probably look pretty awesome all polished up.



RE: tailgate trim. yep removing it leaves several exposed holes. half the red plastic was broken off mine and it looked terrible. Even with holes on the tailgate I still think it looks better, you can see the stamped FORD logo in the middle.

 

All of the trucks I've seen came with upper trim that was held on with the studs and plastic clips. Here's a pic of the fender from Dad's truck showing the studs:

 

I know it's rude to hijack someone else's post...but I think the original question has been answered, and I really hate to see dozens of different threads on the same general topic. So with apologies to the original poster, I am going to ask a trim question that has been bugging me for a while. Observe this 1980 truck:



The thin chrome trim around the very edge of the wheel opening...is that factory, or aftermarket? It's pretty crappy as far as trim goes; the 'chrome' is just plastic foil of some kind and is peeling badly around all four wheels. If it's factory I might try to keep it when I get the truck repainted, but if it's a dealer-added thing (which I suspect it is) I will probably just lose it. Anyone know for certain?

 

My son's 1984 has the original wheel opening trim and it is, I believe, annodized aluminum. If yours has "chrome plastic foil" peeling, I do not believe it to be original.

 

The way I read the catalog there were two mouldings:

• Wheel lip: Moulding (front fender wheel opening)
• Fender: Moulding (front fender side front)

The wheel lip moulding is what I have on Dad's and it is aluminum and held on with screws. The other runs on the outline of the wheel well and about 2" away, and is held on with clips. So if you have really thin plastic stuff it isn't factory.

 

Gen-u-ine Ford type of these mouldings for 1980/86 F100/350's:

EOTZ-16038-A Right & EOTZ-16039-A Left .. Front Wheel Opening Mouldings-Anodized Aluminum ~ also 1980/86 Bronco.

EOTZ-9929164-A Right & EOTZ-9929165-A Left .. Rear Wheel Opening Mouldings-Anodized Aluminum ~ 1980/86 Bronco rear mouldings are shaped differently.

Dealers contracted with aftermarket moulding suppliers to come to their lots, install these "gypo" mouldings in order to dress up 'plain jane' trucks.

And the problem was...if one or more of these mouldings were damaged, lotsa luck finding replacements...cuz dealers didn't have any.

Here in LA LA Land, 'Go see Cal' Worthington Ford and Ford West were notorious for adding these mouldings and other aftermarket crap like stripe kits...which is also a "gypo" on this truck.

Gen-u-ine Ford: There will be a Stripe Code on the Certification Label.

 

That fender takes a different style trim piece. They are about 1" anodized aluminum. The other style is a black rubber/vinyl mldg. with an aluminum strip in the center. That is the one held on with the 2 sided tape.