Moparts

71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners

Posted By: patosmith

71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners - 01/30/24 04:26 PM

I removed the vinyl top on my Dart to do some repair work and get ready for paint.
I plan to install a new top after paint.
I have been searching for a fastener kit for re-installing the trim. I can find the clips but not the screws and plastic washers. (See pics)
Does anyone know where I can find these? If they're not available, are there any suggestions on what I should use?

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Posted By: Neil

Re: 71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners - 01/30/24 07:34 PM

The screws if you can't find them I would just clean up and re-use. The plastic washers same thing if they are not broken. If they are you may have to track down some replacements.
Posted By: autoxcuda

Re: 71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners - 01/30/24 08:40 PM

I don't think those screws are factory. Someone ground the original studs off or added that top after the factory.

The factory typically had studs welded to the panel with slide under plastic clips. That's why you are only finding those available.
Posted By: Neil

Re: 71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners - 01/30/24 09:52 PM

That may be true now that I remember it. In 1970 they had holes for body trim, and in 1971 they used holes and studs.

I think you can buy the studs that spot weld on?

Either that or convert them all to holes and use the 1970 install kit.
Posted By: burks340

Re: 71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners - 01/30/24 11:49 PM

those are not the correct clips for vinyl top molding. go on classic industries .com and type in part #mn1863 thats for your 71 dart which i also have 1.
Posted By: patosmith

Re: 71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners - 01/31/24 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by autoxcuda
I don't think those screws are factory. Someone ground the original studs off or added that top after the factory.

The factory typically had studs welded to the panel with slide under plastic clips. That's why you are only finding those available.


According to the fender tag, this car came from the factory with the vinyl top.
The car was re-painted at some point but I don't think the trim was removed. You can see some over spray where the trim wasn't masked very well.
I guess it is possible that sometime in the past, the top had been replaced along with the studs being removed.
I appreciate the help. This explains why I can't find the screws and washers.
Thanks.
Posted By: patosmith

Re: 71 Dart Vinyl Top Trim Fasteners - 01/31/24 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by burks340
those are not the correct clips for vinyl top molding. go on classic industries .com and type in part #mn1863 thats for your 71 dart which i also have 1.


Thanks. I did find this set earlier and have them in my wish list.
I appreciate your help.
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