When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I removed my driver's side fender upper molding to do some testing to make it shine. When I removed the front most fastener clip it basically disintegrated and fell to the ground. So when I ordered a new clip it arrived but it looked nothing like what was leftover from the original fastener.
After some research I found that the part that remained from what I thought was the original clip is actually a bracket that is considered part of the molding itself and was intended to remain attached to the molding.
From searching the interwebs It appears the clip bracket that stays attached to the molding itself is not available for sale individually.
While in the process of trying to bring the molding back to a shiny life I also removed the black vinyl insert from the molding so I didn't damage it.The insert has been out for a few weeks. I noticed the other day that when I went to put the vinyl insert back into the molding that the insert had shrunk approximately 1/2 in.
I have found on other threads that the insert can be stretched back out but I imagine I'm going to have to heat it to regain half an inch.
Just like the clip bracket that's part of the molding, the vinyl insert is nowhere to be found for sale online.
I called Dennis Carpenter since they claim to have all the old Ford tooling and make parts. My thought was that if they make the moldings they should have a source for that clip that is part of the molding as well as the vinyl insert. I was told that they in fact do not make the moldings and they are outsourced overseas somewhere in, you guessed it, China.
So finding those sources is pretty much out of the question.
So I am wondering if anyone happened to find any parts that would work as a substitute?
I am pretty confident that the Parts Slinger 77&79F250 will probably come through for me but it would be nice to know if someone has found any suitable options.
Stainless steel sheet metal screw with polished head, dimple the hole with fat punch against wood to accept a counter sink screw head? I know, not real help ... A few years ago I removed all of mine and racetrack too, put new fenders, doors, bedsides on, could bring myself to reinstall any of it. Was gonna reuse the wide trim in the dent, but it was never gonna look great again. 45 years showed on it. I instead worked on the bumper and grille. I guess the clips are there, I'll look to see if any good, but a bunch come apart in pieces. I know I hauled the race track away.
I am going digging in my parts pile of fenders for that piece you need. You will need to un-crimp (w/a flat tip screwdriver) the trim lip (that holds your rusty/broke part in place) and remove the old rusty part and install the newer one with the threaded stud that is pushed and help in place by the rectangle tab. Then crimp it back down, a flat punch and a little ball peen tap tap.
Here is not the best pic of the rectangle piece that has a round headed/threaded stud that goes in the hole on the bracket that is crimped in the trim. I will grab you a couple on Sat. PM me your mailing address.
Oh BTW, I have to call BS on Dennis Carpenter's claim that the parts that they make with "Original Ford Tooling" are made 100% in the USA. As I stated earlier I spoke to a person that Dennis Carpenter who explained to me he could not provide me the source for the black vinyl insert nor the plate that is attached to the molding that the front clip mounts to because the part is outsourced to somewhere in China. The last time I checked China was not part of the United States.
Item/part made in China, box might be made in US or Mexico ad then "packaged" in the good ol US of A. I am going to budle up and start checking my fender pile to the trim attachment clip/stud.
I know, not real help ... A few years ago I removed all of mine and racetrack too, put new fenders, doors, bedsides on, could bring myself to reinstall any of it. Was gonna reuse the wide trim in the dent, but it was never gonna look great again. 45 years showed on it. I instead worked on the bumper and grille. I guess the clips are there, I'll look to see if any good, but a bunch come apart in pieces. I know I hauled the race track away.
????
