Posted By: Big Squeeze
'69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 03:43 AM
Does anyone make a tool to install/crimp new drip rail mouldings onto a '69 B-body? This car has a new vinyl top so it's a PIA to get them on.... 
'69 B-body drip rail moulding tool???
Posted By: 1sprinter
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 05:00 AM
I've seen plastic removal tools all over but none for installation. I make sure my upholsterer goes thin when it overlaps the drip edge then set the top trim edge in and tap downward with a rubber mallet.
Posted By: flypaper
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 05:01 AM
is the drip rail trim you are using for a vinyl roof car?
i know for sure on 71's there are 2 different drip rail trims
vinyl or no vinyl.. it might be the same thing for 69's also
its just something to research that could help you out some.
i know for sure on 71's there are 2 different drip rail trims
vinyl or no vinyl.. it might be the same thing for 69's also
its just something to research that could help you out some.
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 06:05 AM
I've put them on cars without a top with a rubber hammer and it's not a problem, but with the top it's ridiculous....as far as I know there is only one drip rail moulding available for these cars???
Posted By: Big D A12
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 02:14 PM
Quote:
is the drip rail trim you are using for a vinyl roof car?
i know for sure on 71's there are 2 different drip rail trims
vinyl or no vinyl.. it might be the same thing for 69's also
its just something to research that could help you out some.
There are two different mouldings in 69. If you are trying to put the non vinyl top trim over a vinyl top, not going to happen.
Some other tips. Only leave the top about 1/2 way down the face of the drip rail. Don't bond the top to the face. This gives the top some flexibility when snapping on the trim plus with time it will be less likely to shrink in the gutter line and crack. So I have been told.
The only tool I use is my hands. I don't know of anything else that works well, on or off.
Hope this helps.
D
Posted By: Stanton
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 03:48 PM
To the best of my knowledge, that trim does not "crimp" into place. You tilt the top over the drip rail then twist it down and it kinda snaps into place - hopefully not taking too much paint with it !!! On a vinyl top it would just have to stretch a little more but being stainless, its gonna fight you all the way.
Posted By: MOPARMIKE69
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 04:31 PM
There is for sure two different drip rail trim on these cars. One for vinyl top and one without vinyl top. Like already said you can't use trim that is not vinyl top trim. However the repop trim only comes in one size that can be used on both.
I just installed some of the repop on a vinyl top car for a customer and it went on easy. The repop stainless is way less thick (made cheaper) than original so it is easier to install.
Here is a picture of how I trim the top so the stainless will snap on and still hold the top edge of the vinyl.
I just installed some of the repop on a vinyl top car for a customer and it went on easy. The repop stainless is way less thick (made cheaper) than original so it is easier to install.
Here is a picture of how I trim the top so the stainless will snap on and still hold the top edge of the vinyl.
Posted By: DAYCLONA
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 04:42 PM
Quote:Quote:
is the drip rail trim you are using for a vinyl roof car?
i know for sure on 71's there are 2 different drip rail trims
vinyl or no vinyl.. it might be the same thing for 69's also
its just something to research that could help you out some.
There are two different mouldings in 69. If you are trying to put the non vinyl top trim over a vinyl top, not going to happen.
Some other tips. Only leave the top about 1/2 way down the face of the drip rail. Don't bond the top to the face. This gives the top some flexibility when snapping on the trim plus with time it will be less likely to shrink in the gutter line and crack. So I have been told.
The only tool I use is my hands. I don't know of anything else that works well, on or off.
Hope this helps.
D
...I only use my thumbs and palm of my hand to remove or install drip rail molding
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/25/14 06:53 PM
Quote:
There is for sure two different drip rail trim on these cars. One for vinyl top and one without vinyl top. Like already said you can't use trim that is not vinyl top trim. However the repop trim only comes in one size that can be used on both.
I just installed some of the repop on a vinyl top car for a customer and it went on easy. The repop stainless is way less thick (made cheaper) than original so it is easier to install.
Here is a picture of how I trim the top so the stainless will snap on and still hold the top edge of the vinyl.
That's exactly how I've trimmed the top on this car and it's still fighting me....when I roll it down and try to snap it, it's as if the trim has been stretched/bent out of shape and will no longer "snap" into place...so I'm having to crimp it after it's on so it'll hold itself in place...was hoping there was a trick or I was missing something to make the other side easier...
Posted By: flypaper
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/26/14 12:15 AM
Quote:Quote:
is the drip rail trim you are using for a vinyl roof car?
i know for sure on 71's there are 2 different drip rail trims
vinyl or no vinyl.. it might be the same thing for 69's also
its just something to research that could help you out some.
There are two different mouldings in 69. If you are trying to put the non vinyl top trim over a vinyl top, not going to happen.
i wasn't 100% sure on 69's, but
just by reading his problem it
sounded like he was using the wrong part to me.
Posted By: MOPARMIKE69
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/26/14 02:55 PM
Quote:Quote:
There is for sure two different drip rail trim on these cars. One for vinyl top and one without vinyl top. Like already said you can't use trim that is not vinyl top trim. However the repop trim only comes in one size that can be used on both.
I just installed some of the repop on a vinyl top car for a customer and it went on easy. The repop stainless is way less thick (made cheaper) than original so it is easier to install.
Here is a picture of how I trim the top so the stainless will snap on and still hold the top edge of the vinyl.
That's exactly how I've trimmed the top on this car and it's still fighting me....when I roll it down and try to snap it, it's as if the trim has been stretched/bent out of shape and will no longer "snap" into place...so I'm having to crimp it after it's on so it'll hold itself in place...was hoping there was a trick or I was missing something to make the other side easier...
If that is your problem then the piece sounds like it is too loose. If it is then use plyers that have plastic tips or wrap duct tape on your normal plyers and while the trim is off. Gently squeeze the top and bottom edge towards each other. Examine the entire pirece and do that until it is uniform. Test fit it on the car. If it is still too loose do it again until it fits, then snap it on the car. Trying to squeeze it onto the car will not work.
Be patient and take your time. Do it a little at a time.
Posted By: 3_RTs
Re: '69 B-body drip rail moulding tool??? - 11/27/14 04:56 AM
Yes, there are two different drip rail trims, one for vinyl top, and one for non-vinyl top. The non-vinyl top trim opening has an average measurement of about .375", while the vinyl top trim opening is about .435" on average. Of course the actual measurements may vary as much as .030" from the average.
I've polished and sold many sets over the years and conclude that if the opening measurement (measure 5 or 6 places)is above .410", it probably fits on a vinyl top car. If the opening measures below .400", it fits a non-vinyl car.
I've polished and sold many sets over the years and conclude that if the opening measurement (measure 5 or 6 places)is above .410", it probably fits on a vinyl top car. If the opening measures below .400", it fits a non-vinyl car.