1960s 1968 DeVille body side molding clips?

[ChrisTabat]

I am in the process of reassembling my 1968 DeVille convertible after painting. It was originally a Wisconsin car with lots of rust.  Most of the various clips for molding attachment were no longer usable,  and if exact replacements are available,  I'm not finding them.  I've found a solution that looks like it should work,  with nylon clips for the hidden oval holes and threaded post clips for the accessible holes.  I've test fit a nylon clip and it appears to work.  I've attached photos of both clips in a door side molding.  My next step would be to lubricate the nylon clips with dish soap and press the molding into place.  I know this isn't factory but this is a hobbyist restoration,  and just want the molding to stay in place.  I also don't want to get myself into a situation where I'm damaging my fresh paint or worse,  denting the metal.  Any word of caution or advice on a different direction appreciated.   

[Moody]

If you find clips that look reasonably close and stay in, I'd go with that. Were the originals plastic or metal? Since this car will be cared for differently than before, I assume, either should be fine, but metal usually won't degrade as fast as plastic, which can easily crack over time.

[ChrisTabat]

Thank you for the reply.   The original clips were metal, and if I'm understanding the shop manual correctly,  they attached to the door first and the molding slid onto the clips.  Its future will be limited to nice weather cruising and local shows,  and is stored in a climate controlled garage.   I'm 70,  so as long as those nylon clips out-live me,  I'm fine.    Thanks again for the reply. 

[dn010]

This is what I used but you might check the measurements before you buy.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/143547713498

[ChrisTabat]

Thanks.  The fastener looks very similar to the stud style that I already have. The mastic sealer on the nuts are a nice feature.  Did you use the mastic rings and did they hold the molding visibly away from the body?

[59-in-pieces]

Chris,

Here are a couple of Butchisms - fortune cookie wisdom.

Necessity is the mother of invention (stole that one).

Creativity in the face of an unfulfilled need is how the future is made and keeps things running.

Problem solving is a hallmark of this hobby.

If there is a close choice - steel/metal over plastic.

Have fun,
Steve B.

PS. - sliding a molding or trim onto clips that have already been installed, sounds like an invitation to scratch the paint.
Snapping on the trim, sounds a bit safer onto clips that are already in place?

[dn010]

I did use those spacer rings. How far the trim sits away really depends on how much you tighten them. You can tighten them very little and the trim will sit away from the body. Tighten them moderately and the trim will be just touching the body. Tighten them too much and not only will the trim be pressed tight against the body, you'll also have the ring material squeezing out between the trim and the body. My car was painted with urethane so I tightened them down so the trim was touching the body but not enough to squeeze the ring material out. I don't suspect I will have any paint damage should I need to remove them, but I also hope I never will need to remove them.

Edit: Unless it is your last resort, I would stay away from plastic. I'd hate to see you lose a piece of trim, whether it be from the clips breaking while going over a bump, to someone prying your trim away easily and walking off with a newly acquired piece that is becoming harder to find, and pricier to buy. Much harder to do if it is bolted down.

[ChrisTabat]

Thanks for all the ideas.   I successfully installed the door molding today.   The plastic clips make me a bit nervous as well,  but the fasteners at each end of the molding are steel with nuts,  so even if the plastic clips fail,  the trim piece isn't going anywhere.    I agree that sliding the trim over the clips was a recipe for scratches, at least with my skill level.  Thanks again.