67 Hardtop Project, I tried again, success

[Gerard F.]

Seabee's never give up. Almost, on the last thread on this subject, I was frustrated.

But I thought I'd try again with a new set of rear window clips, my third set.

Found out that the secret is all in the clips which hold the rear window trim to the frame. You just can't get clips like the originals, the repro steel is cheap, and the repro clips are just not bent right, and don't stay in place after one use. I finally bent the repro's right, but also used 6 of the 10 original clips for assurance. I glued them all in place along the supporting rim to make sure they didn't move when I placed the upper trim. (Call me Bubba, but this is the third time I have installed the window and the trim, and the last time)

Here's the dry fit of the upper trim without the window;



I wound up using six of my salvagible original clips just for assurance three each side, two at the base, and one extra at the center. I really did glue them in place along the rim with some Weld it flexible adhesive. You can see the different color of the original clips from the repros.

I spent a couple of frustrating trial and error hours on dry fitting the upper trim, even before I set the clips. It is all in the twist of that upper trim in fitting the curve around the upper window trim. You should be able to get it pretty close without the clips being in place. Figure that the clips just hold it down,

Here's the results on the right side once I set the window:



Note the marks on the tape for the positions of the clips and where the trim should be.

Here's the finish on the right side:




And the total job ready for setting on the car, for the upcoming Road Tour to San Diego:



But I have a few paint touchups from all the screwups on this very frustrating job.

But, Seabees Can Do, and I'm still having fun.

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 Hardtop Project, I tried again, success

Nice job Jerry,
Installing the windshield moldings on my 69 Camaro was a BEAR...I finally ended up doing exactly what you did - use angled needle nose pliers and bent the repro clips to match the bends and contours of the originals...After I did that, I found I could install them with my hands and didn't even need a mallet...Your trim looks GREAT..Nice and tight...As always, you Seabees keep plucking...Beers are on me next time we catch up...