I want to get the chrome off the back where the boot snaps on. What holds it down? can,t see or feel screws. I know there there. HELP

 

Put the top about half way down. Then get a small mirror and hold it so it faces the inside of the chrome. You should be able to see the flat head Phillips screws that have to be removed before the trim piece can be taken off the clips. You will need a very stubby Phillips screwdriver to get to them. Sorry, I don't remember how many there are. Also there is one screw at each end hidden behind the upper trim panel. If I remember correctly you need to take that top trim panel off to get to it (which of course means at least partially removing the bottom trim panel ).

 

As I understand, there are supposed to be 12 of those screws, that hold 12 clips onto the body. The pinchweld moldings (there are two pieces) snap onto the clips once the clips are in place when re-installing. Although there are supposed to be 12 clips, hardly anyone I know has had the full 12 clips when they go to remove them. I revisited mine the other day ('68 4-4-2 convertible, Lansing car built in early April '68) because I seemed to recall that I had 8 or 9 of those screws holding in the 8 or 9 clips (one screw per clip). When I re-installed mine, I used the same number of clips that were on it when I took it apart. In my recount, I discovered there were only 5 clips - one centered on each side, one on the back in the middle, and one on either side of the back middle clip, centered between the middle and the side. Only 5 clips! And I've heard several other stories of that stainless trim being held on with only 5 clips. Anyway, it will be interesting to hear how many clips are holding your stainless trim to the body.

Hopefully, your screw heads aren't so rusted out that you can't get a screwdriver onto them. You might have to drill them out, which will be a pain. In any case, replacement clips are available from Fusick if you need them.

Also keep in mind that, once the screws are out, the clips might be held down by a waterproofing sealant. If it is, just be careful in bringing the clips and the stainless away from the body so you don't bend the pinchweld moldings.

Randy C.

 

Thanks guys Have to get mirror out or maybe Take top off first. needs new one anyway. Just don't want to mess up chrome maybe hard to find lol. Thanks Tinman

 

I believe they are being reproduced now. Not sure of the quality.

If you are removing the top anyway, that would certainly be the best time to mess with it.

 

...and originals are indeed hard to find, just like the quarter stainless trim.

Randy C.