C1 Top Moulding Assy trim Question

[Eric A.]

I am installing a new top mound trim on my 58 and according to the assembly manual the original calls for threaded spikes with a washer and nut expect on the back two nearest the driver or passenger. Can someone confirm this or will judges accept speed nuts for them all but the from first one which must be a normal nut and washer.

Thanks,

Eric

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Top Moulding Assy trim Question

does your question refer to the rubber weatherstrips on the soft top assembly? mike

[Frank D.]

Re: C1 Top Moulding Assy trim Question

Are you talking about the top fender stainless steel "windsplits" ??

[Eric A.]

Re: C1 Top Moulding Assy trim Question

Sorry Guys, I am talking about the stainless steel trim that comes off the headlight bevel and goes all the way past the engine. I think they call it the wind splits. IMG_3695.jpg

[Frank D.]

Re: C1 Top Moulding Assy trim Question

Someone with a judging guide will have to confirm. All the repro windsplits I've put on came with spikes you have to self-thread for speed nut attachment, so - I don't know how a "normal" nut would ever go on any of the spikes. Also, if your car isn't a garage queen you'll want some dum-dum on those last two rearward nuts or you'll have water intrusion into the cockpit. BTW you want to spray those spikes with WD-40 and thread those speed nuts on completely, carefully and straight with the molding OFF the car BEFORE installing. It'll make your life easier later on.

I also thought the '58 had the under fender steel brace pieces but again, somebody that knows that year should confirm.

[Jerry C.]

Re: C1 Top Moulding Assy trim Question

Should be threaded with nuts and washers until late 1960. You can cut threads on what you have.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Top Moulding Assy trim Question

Eric, Your View B shows them. There were originally 2 serrated female fasteners/speed-nuts at the last 2 positions of each top fender molding. These were pressed into the top surround. The reason these were used was because the early hinge pillar supports covered access to tools to install the washer and nut from underneath in the cockpit area, as in the other View A positions as shown in your AIM.

Here are a few pics of original speed-nuts. They just pushed them in the holes and the threaded studs snagged them to hold them in place.This is what they were originally, simply pressed into the top surround holes. The 2 last studs in the top trims pressed and locked into these two "speed-nuts". You can see the underside view with the little hooks to grab the threads.
P2230029.jpgP2230030.jpgP2230031.jpgP2230032.jpg


Original trims had threaded studs, #6-32.(maybe 8-32 ?)
P2220005.jpg

Later on, they drilled access holes in the top horizontal pillar reinforcements to make it easier to install the washer and nuts from under the dash area. Later AIMs show washers and nuts in all 11 locations per side.

1959 AIM
P2220001.jpgP2220002.jpg

1961 AIM
P2220003.jpgP2220004.jpg


Keep in mind today's reproductions are cast studs requiring Palnuts. On a recent '59 restoration requiring a new nose, I drilled holes in the reinforcements so I could get tools on the hardware for the newer type moldings.
P8210006.jpgP8210013.jpg

Unfortunately, you will have difficulty to get the last 2 location's washers and nuts installed on the earlier cars without holes in the reinforcements.

Rich