I have a '93 Cutlass Cruiser that is pristine. However, I need two small interior trim pieces that GM has discontinued, at least in dark blue, the color I need. The pieces are a small rectangular screw cover for the front door seatbelt molding and the bolt cover for the left rear door rear pillar. I have had no luck with an internet search or the aftermarket supplies I've contacted. Before I begin the junkyard searches, does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I've run into that problem (finding parts) a lot, and my car is 2 years newer. Chances are you're going to have to go to the junkyard because you're describing obscure parts that most people wouldn't look at. Don't worry about the color if you find the right parts, because you can paint them to match your car pretty close. If you want an exact color match, drop by GM and ask them for the interior color code or take it off your body decal that should be on the drivers door. Then get it mixed in a spray bomb at your local auto paint/parts store. Only person who's going to notice it is you.

 

Allen-

Thanks for the reply, I fear you may be right about the junkyard. These are plastic trim pieces so I'm a little concerned about painting them. Besides, I'm so detail specific knowing they're painted would probably drive me nuts.

Thanks, again.

 

Don't be concerned about the paint. Talk to the guys at a body shop about this - they replace lots of stuff and will have expert knowledge. Sometimes a body shop can have left over stuff or know where it's hiding. They can also give you some good tips on cleaning the part, proper etching primers (for plastic) and the proper paint specifically designed for plastic. Also, a lot (and I mean a LOT) of GM parts were generically black with the idea that they could be painted to suit the need. (My 1995 Olds 98 has a blue steering wheel right? Nope, it's black (leather delete option) and painted to match the rest of the car. What kind of paint? Special DuPont plastic stuff. (It's not cheap) I don't have any left so that's the best I can do. But, it turned out really nice. So that's what I suggest - try it and see how it turns out. Who knows, maybe you'll find a car with the same donor color??? One more thing, don't limit yourself to Cutlass Cruiser. It's possible that you might find compatible trim from a Chebby, Booick, or Puntiuk. I know what it's like to be particular, but sometimes practicality has to win out.

 

Thanks, once again, for the additional info. I agree the parts may be found on other GM products. I know Chebby stopped producing the Celebrity wagon in '90, I think Pontiac stopped its 6000 wagon earlier than that. My best bets are probably the Olds & Buick wagons as they were built the longest. I also agree practicality sometimes has to win out. Being too particular about details can sometimes be a royal pain in the a__, as my wife of 35 years has frequently told me.

As a side note, I also have a '94 98 Regency-also pristine, but doesn't seem to draw comments like the Cruiser. No matter-I love 'em both

 

Check out this link: http://eastwood.resultspage.com/sear...s=custom&w=sem for paint for automotive plastics. It's not cheap but it does a great job. You can't tell the difference between the painted piece and OEM (except the painted piece looks newer and better).

Make sure to get the plastic prep and the adhesion promoter while you're at it.