body molding clip trouble - help

[70Tom]

OK, this is my fourth time trying to post this. Let's see if it works today.

So, I'm having a difficulties with my body molding clips for my 70 SF. Once I put the clip in the hole, you have to put the center pin in it so the clip stays in place. Otherwise, if you install the molding on the clips without the pin, all the clips will just pull out of the body and stay on the molding. Problem is, I can't get any of the pins inserted. I've tried hammering them in lightly. Either the clip will break or the pin will only go in half way and then stop/get stuck. As these clips are rare as hen's teeth and I've already broken several getting the molding off, I don't want to keep breaking them.

Any suggestions? I was thinking of maybe putting them in hot water, but not sure if that would make a difference.

If anyone has re-installed these clips on their car, please let me know.

Here's a pic of a clip installed with the center pin in it (the circle in the middle).

 

[Fury440]

Try boiling plastic/nylon parts in water for 5 min to restore flexibility, release stress tension and re-hydrate the parts. Sounds silly, but it works.

 

[70Tom]

Try boiling plastic/nylon parts in water for 5 min to restore flexibility, release stress tension and re-hydrate the parts. Sounds silly, but it works.

Thanks Bill. I was actually thinking of doing that. I was a bit worried about it affecting the paint.

Two questions: 1) insert parts in already boiling water, or bring water to boil with parts already in there? 2) I assume I should let them cool some before installation so I don't burn my hands or ruin the paint?

 

[Fury440]

I'd cook'm liked potatoes, start cold and bring to a boil til done! I think letting them cool slowly might be best to avoid stress.
Don't know about painted parts, I've only heard people boil nylon molding clips, wiring harness clips, etc.

 

[Fratzog]

I never stop learning on this board. That knowledge would have saved a lot of aggravation when working on the Polara and Fargo.

 

[rexus31]

The plugs should go in relatively easy. Are your plugs the originals or reproduction? If repop, perhaps they are a slightly larger diameter.

 

[70Tom]

The plugs should go in relatively easy. Are your plugs the originals or reproduction? If repop, perhaps they are a slightly larger diameter.

All clips are original. They aren't reproduced.

 

[Jeff]

Can you put the pin in before you put the clip on the car?

 

[70Tom]

Can you put the pin in before you put the clip on the car?

I tried on a couple and it's just too tight. It's almost like the pins expanded since being out of the clips.

 

[rexus31]

All clips are original. They aren't reproduced.

Reproduction plugs are available from Mr. G's. I used them on the molding clips on my '65 Chrysler.

 

[70Tom]

Reproduction plugs are available from Mr. G's. I used them on the molding clips on my '65 Chrysler.

Body molding clips for the 70 Sport Fury are not reproduced to my knowledge. They're not in the Mr. G catalog.

 

[rexus31]

Body molding clips for the 70 Sport Fury are not reproduced to my knowledge. They're not in the Mr. G catalog.

The clips no, but the center plugs, yes. The beltline molding clips for my '65 incorporate a similar design with the center plug. The plugs from Mr. G's might work.

 

[Davea Lux]

Here is and old body guy trick that was told to me. Buy yourself a can of silicone spray lubricant, spray some on a cotton swab and coat the pin on the mounting clip prior to trying to insert it. Use silicone as it won't hurt the plastic. That should help. Note that these clips were a pos when they were new and have not gotten any better with time.

Dave

 

[70Tom]

Here is and old body guy trick that was told to me. Buy yourself a can of silicone spray lubricant, spray some on a cotton swab and coat the pin on the mounting clip prior to trying to insert it. Use silicone as it won't hurt the plastic. That should help. Note that these clips were a pos when they were new and have not gotten any better with time.

Dave

Thanks. Gonna give that a shot before I try the boiling method. Hopefully it works....

 

[Davea Lux]

If the silicone spray doesn't work, I have some clips on a set of junk fenders. Will have to see if they will come off without breaking.

Dave

 

[70Tom]

If the silicone spray doesn't work, I have some clips on a set of junk fenders. Will have to see if they will come off without breaking.

Dave

Thanks. Getting some silicon spray after work tonight. Hope to get to test it out this weekend.