Stargrinder Posted March 31, 2023 Report Posted March 31, 2023 Hey folks I am looking for a bit of assistance. I have a 1950 DeSoto S-14 that I am working on. I notice that the decorative trim between the trunk deck and the rear window does not seat flush against the body. It appears that it is missing several trim clips. I want to pull the trim off without damaging it so I can see what type of clips are currently being used to hold the piece in place. I am looking for some advice because I don't want to damage it by using the brute force method if that is not the right approach. I would appreciate any tips on how to remove it. I would also appreciate any recommendations on the type of clip that should be used to hold the trim in place. I was looking at the parts manual and I am not finding the part number for the clip. I was looking at Ebay and saw some 3/4" - 1 5/8" molding clips (which are supposed to be compatible with my car). But I am not sure if they are what I need. Any advice here would be appreciated. Thanks in advance friends. Quote
Bob Ritter Posted March 31, 2023 Report Posted March 31, 2023 There is a great book on How to Restore Metal Auto Trim at Motorbooks 800/826/6600 (www.mototbooks.com) it will show you how to remove and install moldg's, also how to repair and how polish. I think the book was about $18.00 it also shows which clips to use. Quote
desoto1939 Posted March 31, 2023 Report Posted March 31, 2023 when we took of the trim on my 39 Desoto we used the plastic trim removal tools that i purchased at Harbor Freight. The clips were all metal clips with a metal style button that went into the hole in the body panels. The gentleman that painted my car did not reuse these clips we used plastic clips with the plastic button. The reason is not rust marks later on, also since the clips a plastic less change of chipping the paint when inserting the clip into the hole and plastic is easier to install. My car was painted in 1996 and i do not have any rusting where each plastic was used. You will have to research for the clips and try Restoration Supply in Windber PA. They have lots of clips in stock. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com Quote
D35 Torpedo Posted April 1, 2023 Report Posted April 1, 2023 You may want to pull some panels and what not, to make sure there are no fasteners like the ones you posted. To put it back on, i'd use the ebay clips. There is nohing better than a nut and bolt clip. Quote
Bryan G Posted April 2, 2023 Report Posted April 2, 2023 You can check out Auveco; you should be able to find a catalog online. They sell through all sorts of jobbers, and you might have one local. They have some universal clips that can work. I've used both plastic and metal from them where you can just snap off the excess. I'll also second Restoration Supply; worth having a copy of their catalog. Quote
Stargrinder Posted April 3, 2023 Author Report Posted April 3, 2023 Thanks all. I will see what I can find. Quote
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