Stainless Trim Retainers

SuperDave
SuperDave Senior Contributor
edited January 2015 in HUDSON
I had a requirement for the retainers used along the bottom fenders and doors of a 49 . Most of the originals had rusted beyond help. I ordered some from a vendor that advertises in the WTN. They proved to be substandard. They were made from galvanized steel, but formed on a sheet metal brake. I followed the instructions and had to use too much force to get the trim to snap over the retainers and ended up damaging the painted surface. I then ordered some from WRP. It took a long time to get them, but the wait was worth it. These are better then the originals simply because they are made of stainless and will never rust. They also seem to be the same shape as the originals. I suspect they are formed through some extrusion process. attached are a comparison of the two sources .

Comments

  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Dave-

    That's good to know.  I used the "sub-standard" ones on the convertible, as the ones from WRP were not available at the time of purchase.  I utilized an old trick by inserting a stainless washer BEHIND the retainer, which takes it up off of the painted surface.  You have to lube the inside edge of the stainless and make an impromptu installation tool to help with the install.   Very tedious and time-consuming process.  I think it took an entire day to do a '52 Hornet with two guys who were familiar with the process (me and a friend).  
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    I assumed WRP got them from the same source as Kgap. BUT.. I got some older ones from a forum member that originally got his from Kgap. and they had the slotted holes punched horizontally and the WRP's were punched vertical.. Otherwise they were identical and very user friendly!  Probably from the same source though (Bent metal?)
  • russmaas
    russmaas Senior Contributor

    At one time, the galvanized retainers were the only game in town for years people could use. So bashing a vendor who produce a product that may have not lived up to some people standards isn't promoting good relations in the club.

    Also the old saying you get what you pay for. It is more work and frustrating with using galvanizes metal and has been seen thru my own experience but on the frugal side they are extremely cheap


  • bull_islander
    bull_islander Expert Adviser
    I used the galvanized one's on my car 25+ years ago.  Cut them down to smaller sections instead of long solid sections.  Drilled mounting holes in them.  As Russ stated, it was the only game in town and I was glad to have them available.  Don't remember any problems, but they fit both my low skill set and budget.
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