Belt Molding Fastener Installation

[Surfcuda]

Hi All, I have the reproduction Belt Molding Kit for the top of the drivers door on my 1970 Barracuda Vert. How do you install them properly? With the insert pushed into the clip expanding the prongs they won't go into the holes. I don't want to push to hard and bend the molding. When I put the fasteners on the door with the inserts pushed in they are so snug the molding wont slide over them. Any Hot Tips or tricks to the Trade on getting these properly installed would be appreciated. Regards Rob

 

[Cuda Hunter]

Are the clips reproduction or original?
I think, the cuda clips are different from the challenger clips.

 

[Surfcuda]

Are the clips reproduction or original?
I think, the cuda clips are different from the challenger clips.

They are reproduction and look like new original. They fit the holes on top of the door tight when you push the insert down to spread the prongs. Problem is with the prongs spread with insert they don’t want to go into the holes. There must be a trick to the trade.

 

[MoparCarGuy]

The clips go in the hole first. Then the pin is inserted.
The mouldings are then prepped with the end hardware and carefully pressed onto the clips. You roll the moulding onto one side of the clip (interior side) and down onto the other side of the clip using the heel of your palm. It is nerve-wracking and the trim is easily dented if you are not careful.

Some repro clips are too wide. The best door "belt moulding" clips come from R/T Specialties.

 

[Surfcuda]

The clips go in the hole first. Then the pin is inserted.
The mouldings are then prepped with the end hardware and carefully pressed onto the clips. You roll the moulding onto one side of the clip (interior side) and down onto the other side of the clip using the heel of your palm. It is nerve-wracking and the trim is easily dented if you are not careful.

Some repro clips are too wide. The best door "belt moulding" clips come from R/T Specialties.

Appreciate the info Moparguy, I will give it a try. The clips are in the holes with inserts pressed in. Inserts are very tight to the body, with no wiggle room. I will let you know if I can make it work using your instructions.

 

[Surfcuda]

Appreciate the info Moparguy, I will give it a try. The clips are in the holes with inserts pressed in. Inserts are very tight to the body, with no wiggle room. I will let you know if I can make it work using your instructions.

Ok Mopar people! After days of frustration I was finally able to secure the belt molding in place. Mopar guy gave some great instructions, but I had to modify the belt clips. I took a razor and shaved off the thin wings on the side of the clips. These wings wouldn’t allow the belt moldings to snap in while being pressed down. Once the wings were removed I was able to use the instructions given by Moparguy. It did take some effort to pull and press the belt moldings down, but they snapped right in and are very tight to the door. A new “Trick to the Trade” that I’m sharing. So I hope this information helps solve the Belt Molding Installation problem for anyone having the same issue. 🏝

 

[Cuda Hunter]

Which of the wings did you cut off?

 

[Surfcuda]

Which of the wings did you cut off?

The real thin wings on the side. They prevented the lips of the molding from seating over and griping under the clips.