fender molding t-bolt?

[jcmiller]

What are fender molding t-bolts used for?  They are listed for the 1941 and 1942 years.  They are in addition to the molding clips.  I have NOS clips and am trying to attach fender moldings without much luck.  The clips pop out of the molding when I push the back of the clip through the holes in the fender.  I then went to the parts book and found these t-bolts listed.  They don't seem to be on the 1946-48 models.  Thx.

[busycoupe]

On many of the models the t bolts were used to secure the ends of the moldings and clips were used along the length.  The clips I have seen are put on the body first, then the molding is snapped onto them.  When I painted my Dodge 5 years ago I discovered that it had a random mix of clips and bolts holding on the molding, all of them rusty.  I replaced them all with the bolt style clip.  I got them from Restoration Specialties.

Dave

[desoto1939]

I used plastic clips on my 39 desoto.  Take a piece of your molding to a good auto paint supplier. Look in their assortment of plastic clips. Also you will need to know the size od the hole that the clips nees to go into ont he body.

 

I prefer plastic since they willnot rust or leave any rust marks when they get wet when you wash your car.  I have had mine onthe car for 17 years with out any issues of them coming loose.  At the end you can then use the t-clips with the bolt to secure the end for a tight fit.

 

You just need to invest some time to find the correct clip to fit the opening  of the molding slot.

 

Rich HArtung

desoto1939@aol.com

[jcmiller]

The clips I have are pictured here as part type 12-15-8.  I talked to another guy with a '42 and he also struggled and gave up on the NOS clips.  They pop off and scrape the paint off the holes when you force them into place.  I'll check into the other options, including plastic.  I guess the t-bolts on mine were missing.  The end of the molding goes into the headlight trim ring so I don't know if a t-bolt will be necessary as the trim ring holds that end down firmly.

 

 

 

 

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