Hey guys:
I'm not sure my question fits this forum, if it doesn't please let me know where I should post it.  I have a 1956 Fairlane Victoria that I have been restoring for about  4 years now, and it will soon be complete.  My problem is with the stainless steel moldings on the sides of the roof.  I have the moldings straightened and buffed and I have purchased new molding clips.  The new ones look just like the old ones (without the rust), but I cannot figure out how the moldings attach to the roof.  The roof has blind holes so it looks like the clips must be attached first and the molding snapped over the clips, but I have not been able to get the molding snapped on a single clip.  I know some of you guys must have done this before and just can't wait to tell me the secret, or at least tell me where to go.

Thanks,

Larry

Larry after you install the clip in the hole take a mallet and tap the part that protrudes in the center of the clip,that will force the inner wings to expand and tighten the clip in the hole.Dosnt  take much pressure to expand it so go easy with the mallet and make sure to hold the clip tight against the roof while you tap it in.Hope this helps  Carl

Thanks Carl:
I got the clips on with your help, and finally got the molding over the clips.  The trick to getting the molding on is all in how you apply force to the molding.  If you simply try to press them on, you will not succeed and will probably put depressions in the molding as well.  You have to slip the top of the molding over the top of the clip first, then push on the lower edge of the molding to get it to snap into place.  After putting a few depressions in the moldings, straightening them out and buffing it again, I finally figured it out.  I may be slow, but I sure am stupid!

Larry

Larry glad you got it figured out,i forgot to mention that a sealer like duct seal should be used to seal up the hole  Carl

Tarheal, I'm getting read to remove all my stainless on my 56 Victoria for a repainted. Were you able to remove the stainless with those plastic tools? Also where did you buy the new mounding clips. Thanks

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Drylakes:

I bought the clips and most of the other stuff I used from Tee Bird in West Chester. PA.  They carry a broad range of parts for 55-57 Thunderbirds  and 55 and 56 passenger cars, also a smaller selection of 54 and 57 parts.  They are really nice to deal with, don't rip you too bad for shipping, and Elliott knows  a lot about the cars and the correct parts.  Their phone # is 610-363-1725 and they do have a website.

Larry

The Fairlanes and the Crown Vic's had the wide roof stainless moldings, but on my Customline Victoria I only had that wide stainless trim on the sides of the back window. There is a stainless trim piece that is crimped on the drip rail. I didn't even try to get that piece off because I knew I would ruin it. Just buffed and polished it in place.


Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

tarheel, thanks for the advice. Tee-Bird products have all the mounding clips I'll need. As you said great to talk too. I only left the windshield and rear window lower moulding on, the body shop says they can get them off. Fenders are being removed so they will remove that trim. On its way to the body shop to get all the exterior paint removed and repainted Monday. Maybe I'll see why all the bubbling happened. Said 2 months but I'm not pressing him.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.