Moparts
70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding
Posted By: cataclysm80
70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/13/08 09:02 PM
I just test fit my metro supplied molding set and it doesn't fit well, especialy on the passenger quarter. I've heard from others that these had fitment problems, so I guess I'll have to agree. Has anyone here gotten a set that fit right?
Are there any other repro suppliers besides metro?
Anyone know where I could get an NOS set?
I have my originals, but both quarter pieces are smashed flat on the bottom. Maybe I could have them restored?
What have you guys done to resolve this issue?
Tav
Posted By: conv440
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 03:28 PM
Tav,
My set from Metro fit pretty well. Not perfect but acceptable. Here's a pix from the back, not too bad. Actually my passenger side fit better than the drivers.
Posted By: conv440
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 03:48 PM
From the side thing's don't look so nice. The bottom especially is pushed out at the sides and looks off. I was tempted to try to bend it to fit a little better but I haven't messed with it yet.
Posted By: THESHAKERPROJECT
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 06:28 PM
Many others sell the Metro stuff but I doubt anyone else make these parts. I have the 71 trunk trim for a Challenger and it is poorly made as well when put side by side with my originals. I would try to find original ends and have them restored and reanodized but the mid part is hard to find in good cond for a 70 car. I sent Metro an e-mail a few days ago about this piece they sold me as I wanted to return it for a refund but so far ...no response.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:12 PM
let me know if you get anywhere with the refund.
So far I'm considering having my original ends restored and using the repro center section.
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:41 PM
Original fits
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:46 PM
Metro doesn't
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:47 PM
original
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:47 PM
Metro
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:49 PM
Original
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:51 PM
metro (Yuck!)
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:58 PM
drivers side original fits
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 07:59 PM
drivers side metro doesn't
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 08:01 PM
Drivers Side Original
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 08:02 PM
drivers side metro
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 08:05 PM
Orig
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 08:05 PM
Repro
Posted By: conv440
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 08:33 PM
Obvious question but have you checked that there's no filler in the upper transition from decklid to quarter on your car? Mine aligns much better on the upper curve. It's the lower curve at the body character line where the metro part is completely off on my car. I agree with you that the repro is a poor substitute for the original.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 09:10 PM
Thanks for your pictures earlier. No filler here. That's the original sheetmetal. It's been blasted down to bare metal and then covered in 3 coats of self etching primer, block sanding between each coat. Besides, if the car did have a bunch of filler there, then the original pieces wouldn't fit either.
I don't think I'm being overly picky about this. I'm not going for OE, I just want some trim that will fit on the car and look good at the local shows.
I wish my pieces fit as well as yours do. I think I could live with the fit on the drivers side piece, but that passenger piece just won't go on. How long ago did you buy your set? Maybe yours are from before Metro had their fire? Looks like the originals were stamped into shape from flat aluminum, while the Metros seem to be bent to shape from a pre-formed straight length of trim.
Maybe I should order another set from metro and hope for the best? Or, contact them and see if I can exchange my end pieces for new ones? I'll pay postage, no big deal.
Isn't Metro here on moparts somewhere? What's their user name?
For the record, their hood trim fits great. Just having problems with these pieces.
Tav
Posted By: Spike
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/14/08 10:24 PM
Please call Metro at 912-383-0172
If you prefer to e-mail -
metroparts@alltell.netDo not use the e-mail link off the website.
The e-mail off of the website for whatever reason does not work all of the time.
Joel will refund your money or ship you a new molding.
Posted By: JS29
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/16/08 02:56 PM
Quote:
Tav,
My set from Metro fit pretty well. Not perfect but acceptable. Here's a pix from the back, not too bad. Actually my passenger side fit better than the drivers.
I bought just the 70 Challenger trunk lid piece from Metro(having an SE I don't need separate Qtr pieces). It seemed to be a fine piece but the problem I encountered is that the little cut-out on the trim that allows for the retaining clips to be inserted lines-up with the location of the outermost retainers. This is true of both ends. So I am stuck unless I re-drill the holes for the ends.
Anyone else have this issue? Maybe the outside holes in my decklid are too far out to start with...
Posted By: HEMICUDA
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/17/08 09:13 AM
We are in the process of doing the tail trim for the 70 & 71-74 Challenger right now.
Michael C. Ross - Owner
B/E & A Restoration Parts, Inc.
www.beaparts.com330-725-3990
Posted By: 70RT27N
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/17/08 03:43 PM
Quote:
We are in the process of doing the tail trim for the 70 & 71-74 Challenger right now.
Michael C. Ross - Owner
B/E & A Restoration Parts, Inc.
www.beaparts.com
330-725-3990
Well, that got my attention! Any eta....I can certainly wait 
Posted By: conv440
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/17/08 04:54 PM
Quote:
I bought just the 70 Challenger trunk lid piece from Metro(having an SE I don't need separate Qtr pieces). It seemed to be a fine piece but the problem I encountered is that the little cut-out on the trim that allows for the retaining clips to be inserted lines-up with the location of the outermost retainers. This is true of both ends. So I am stuck unless I re-drill the holes for the ends.
Anyone else have this issue? Maybe the outside holes in my decklid are too far out to start with...
IIRC I had this problem too. The clips can install in two directions. When you install them the wrong way they line up with the cut-out. Try taking them off and installing them the other way.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/17/08 05:21 PM
Here's a pic of how my metro trunk trim piece lines up with the clip holes. I don't think the holes moved any 70-74, but just for reference, this is the early challenger lid with no spoiler cutouts. SPD 8-26-69
Tav
Posted By: HEMIDOG 70
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/17/08 11:30 PM
Had the same problem with the metro tail trim on my 70 challenger. Good luck with your refund,took months and many phone calls including treats of the att generals office to get my refund.
I did get trim that fit decent off of e-bag made shure to ask that mfg was not metro. sorry I can't remember the sellers name.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 09/18/08 12:41 AM
well, I've spoken with metro and they're sending a call tag for my quarter trim pieces, and when they get them they're going to send me some replacements to try out. Hopefully they fit good.
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/13/09 05:13 AM
UPDATE
Well, I got the replacement metro pieces very quickly. I'm certain they are not the same pieces I had the first time, but the fit has not noticeably improved. I am content with their customer service, but the parts just don't fit.
I looked into having my originals restored but instead, decided to wait on a set from B/E & A. I have them now, and WOW, THAT'S THE WAY TO GO! Fits great, no tweaking. Night & Day difference. I'll post more when I have a little time to take some pictures.
Tav
Posted By: Silver70
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/13/09 06:38 AM
I used the metro ones... yeah they are junk! The quarter pieces are too long on the bottom and hang down past the bottom. I used the supplied clips on the trunk molding, they were too long and got dimples in the trim. So fixed that and in the process of polishing it... I didn't even try the hood molding yet. Can't wait to see how it fits.
Posted By: 6PakBee
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/13/09 11:37 AM
Quote:
We are in the process of doing the tail trim for the 70 & 71-74 Challenger right now.
Michael C. Ross - Owner
B/E & A Restoration Parts, Inc.
www.beaparts.com
330-725-3990
Excellent! I'll just wait for the good stuff.
Posted By: 340SIX
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/13/09 05:36 PM
Quote:
I used the metro ones... yeah they are junk! The quarter pieces are too long on the bottom and hang down past the bottom. I used the supplied clips on the trunk molding, they were too long and got dimples in the trim. So fixed that and in the process of polishing it... I didn't even try the hood molding yet. Can't wait to see how it fits.
If you sand them and polish them,the brite dip will be gone and will not stay nice for long
Posted By: Silver70
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/13/09 05:51 PM
Yeah kinda figured that... looks like I'll have to go with the bea ones and be done with it.
Posted By: THESHAKERPROJECT
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/13/09 06:14 PM
Are the BEA ones chrome like the add says or brite dip like orig ??? Any pics of the new BEA ones ?? The METRO trunk lid molding is way off (71-74 type )and is tapered down on the ends end is too short as well.
Posted By: Barnabas_Kriss
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/13/09 06:20 PM
Your original pieces look restorable, why mess with a poor fitting repro part?
I used "King of Trim" in Ca with good results.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 01:00 AM
Alright, I took some pics this evening. I tried to take them from the same angles as before so that you can all compare them to the pics from earlier in this thread. Here they are.
passenger side B/E & A
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 01:02 AM
Passenger Side B/E & A
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 01:03 AM
drivers side B/E & A
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 01:05 AM
Drivers Side B/E & A.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 01:53 AM
Quote:
Your original pieces look restorable, why mess with a poor fitting repro part?
I used "King of Trim" in Ca with good results.
Hi Barnabas, good to see you again. Glad to hear King of Trim did a good job on your parts.
At first I chose repro over restored because of time. I could have the repro parts right away, but to have some restored was a 2+ month wait. Price on repro vs. restored was comparable with restoration being just a little higher. (restoration cost depends a lot on the condition of your cores)
Then I found out the metro repro parts didn't fit, and that B/E & A would soon be releasing a new set of repro. So, I was back to square 1 on choosing between repro vs. restored. I was considering having mine restored by MR Belvedere here on Moparts because I have ALWAYS heard good things about his work.
In the end I chose repro again because I've seen several of the amazing quality pieces B/E & A has released. They have an excellent reputation and I trust them to make stuff that fits. Mike is easy to deal with, and I also plan on using his repro headlight bezels/hood trim on the front of the car. This way my car will match front and rear with the chrome trim instead of the bright dip anodized. Also, after seeing that the metro part is flat and my originals have a compound curve, I had concerns about the ability of ANY trim restorer to repair that compound curve without a car in front of them to fit the part against. I was worried that when they "straightened" the part, it would be flat like the metro piece.
To the untrained eye, the compound curve is difficult to see. The trim appears flat, but it deffinately is Not. There is a bend and a little twist at the same time.
I took some pictures of it to show everyone here on this thread. I placed each piece of trim (original, B/E & A, metro) on a flat surface, then pressed the bottom edge of it down with my finger so that the bottom edge was flat on the table. With that end flat on the table, you could see the NOT flat part lifting up above the flat surface. I put my favorite pile of mopar colored post it notes next to the lifted end of the trim as a crude measuring device so you could compare the 3 pictures better.
Here's the pictures...
This one is my original trim (remember, it's old and a little beat up)
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 01:54 AM
This photo is of the B/E & A trim.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 01:56 AM
Here is the metro trim.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 02:22 AM
Quote:
Are the BEA ones chrome like the add says or brite dip like orig ??? Any pics of the new BEA ones ??
Yes, the B/E & A pieces ARE chrome. The chrome is over aluminum, not steel, so it could never rust like an old bumper would. Chrome and brite dip anodize could both be scratched, but are fairly resistant to it because they are hard. Plain polished aluminum is soft, easily scratched, and requires constant polishing to keep it shiny.
Yes, the chrome is a little bit more shiny than the brite dip anodize. It's not an overtly noticable difference. Most people would not notice. You'd have to be looking for it to tell the difference I think. The important thing here is to use B/E & A trunk lip molding along with the B/E & A quarter molding so that you don't have the two different coatings displayed side by side. This might make some of you guys with SE cars that don't use quarter molding think twice about buying the trunk molding, it's chrome too.
Take a look at the earlier pictures next to the post it notes for a comparison of how shiny the parts are.
Also, here is a pic of the 3 different trim pieces side by side. Original on the left, B/E & A in the middle, metro on the right.
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 02:32 AM
Quote:
The METRO trunk lid molding is way off
I Agree with this also.
once again, the metro trim is flat and the B/E & A piece is the proper shape.
I placed the two pieces next to each other (touching) on a flat surface with my mopar colored post it notes behind (also touching) and took a picture of the middle of the trunk trims.
Here's what I got. pretty big difference huh?
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 02:41 AM
Quote:
I used the (Metro) supplied clips on the trunk molding, they were too long and got dimples in the trim.
Wow, Metro didn't send me any clips with my trim. It bothered me a little at first that they had been left out, but now I'm glad I didn't get any.
The B/E & A set DOES come with clips, and they're the nice ones that work great instead of the cheap ones that break as you install them.
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 02:47 AM
If cost is a concern, Metro charged me $165 for the 3 tailpanel trim pieces.
B/E & A charged me $159 for their set.
+ Both places charged me $15 shipping.
If I remember correctly, I think restoring originals was in the $200 range with a 2+ month wait.
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 02:58 AM
Quote:
I used the metro ones... yeah they are junk! I didn't even try the hood molding yet. Can't wait to see how it fits.
I just wanted to set the record straight here. I don't intend this to be a thread about bashing Metro. They do have some good things to offer to the Mopar restoration hobby. I'm just saying that THIS particular set of trim is poor quality.
I now have both the B/E & A and Metro Hood Trim, and both pieces look and fit excellent. No worries there. The B/E & A Hood Trim is chrome to go with their chrome headlight bezels, so if you're not going to use chrome headlight bezels you'll probably want to stick with the Metro Hood Trim.
Tav
Posted By: 340SIX
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 05:02 AM
So You are saying that if I get the B/E&A trim it will look realy bad next to a se rear rtim that is NOS?Making the NOS part not look shiney enough?
Posted By: autoxcuda
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 07:52 AM
I find it very strange BEA choose to chrome that aluminum trim instead of just anodizing it like original?? The appearance if quite different. Mike??
Posted By: 340SIX
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 03:19 PM
Quote:
I find it very strange BEA choose to chrome that aluminum trim instead of just anodizing it like original?? The appearance if quite different. Mike??
For one thing chrome is very easy to have come out consitant.
Polish,Copper,nickel, and chrome, Anodizing shows much mre if it is not 100% right
Posted By: THESHAKERPROJECT
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 05:37 PM
TThanks for the pics..the BEA parts look very nice, finally a trunk lid molding with the correct shape. The chrome would not be a big issue on my car (71 R/T) as 2/3 of the molding is painted black.
Posted By: AllTrim Plus
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 07:38 PM
Quote:
I find it very strange BEA choose to chrome that aluminum trim instead of just anodizing it like original?? The appearance if quite different. Mike??
it might have something to do with the wrong alloy being used to make the parts, which leaves them dull rather than bright after anodizing...
the Repro 69 RR grilles have/had the same issue when they first came out.
Mike
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 07:55 PM
Quote:
Quote:
I find it very strange BEA choose to chrome that aluminum trim instead of just anodizing it like original?? The appearance if quite different. Mike??
it might have something to do with the wrong alloy being used to make the parts, which leaves them dull rather than bright after anodizing...
the Repro 69 RR grilles have/had the same issue when they first came out.
Mike
Mike, ck your email listed here . I may need parts done .
Posted By: autoxcuda
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 08:01 PM
Quote:
Quote:
I find it very strange BEA choose to chrome that aluminum trim instead of just anodizing it like original?? The appearance if quite different. Mike??
it might have something to do with the wrong alloy being used to make the parts, which leaves them dull rather than bright after anodizing...
the Repro 69 RR grilles have/had the same issue when they first came out.
Mike
I figured something like that was going on. -Some materials or process issue. I didn't think they'd chrome them for the bling effect. 
Is aluminum bright trim like that deburred then straight anodized? Like it looks shiny right out of the dies? Or is it polished and deburred in a barrel type process.
Posted By: HEMICUDA
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 09:53 PM
it might have something to do with the wrong alloy being used to make the parts, which leaves them dull rather than bright after anodizing...
the Repro 69 RR grilles have/had the same issue when they first came out.
Mike
Mike is correct, the problem is the material. The only way we could get the grade of aluminum that is polished "bright one side" was to order a 15,000# roll. It's a special process and a particular grade of aluminum goes through, a mill will not supply it unless they can run an entire roll. It wasn't cost effective to have that done.
These pieces will not be for everyone, we wanted to try to fill the nitch that wanted parts that fit correctly even though they shine more than the original. They sure are pretty though.
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 10:59 PM
So, how does the repop trunk mouldings compare to nos 1/4 mouldings . Same on the hood moulding compared to nos head light doors
When I did my former 1970 Challenger I had the SE argent rear panel so the repop 1/4 trim wasn't an issue. But the hood moulding matched up real well against NOS headlight bezels,,, at that time. Anyone done a comparison on this recently.
Currently on the hunt for these exact parts for a 71 challenger. This thread has more of an interest to me
Posted By: 340SIX
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 11:25 PM
Edit) I am asking the same as Bill sorry for the repost
Any Pictures of the trunk molding next to a factory SE trim? How bad is it? I already had the neadlight buckets redone and brite dipped.but need the hood.
Maybe I am far off on this but what about making some in stainless so it could be finished as needed,to get proper shine?
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/14/09 11:52 PM
I don't have an NOS SE rear trim panel, but I DO have 1 NOS 70 headlight bezel. I'll try and post a pic of it next to the new B/E & A chrome hood trim soon.
Tav
Posted By: HEMICUDA
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/15/09 12:22 AM
Quote:
Edit) I am asking the same as Bill sorry for the repost
Any Pictures of the trunk molding next to a factory SE trim? How bad is it? I already had the neadlight buckets redone and brite dipped.but need the hood.
Maybe I am far off on this but what about making some in stainless so it could be finished as needed,to get proper shine?
We are looking at all the trim in Stainless steel on the next production run.
Posted By: 340SIX
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/15/09 12:44 AM
Kool Mike that will be easy to get any finish from Satin to Chrome. I was unsure if the process would let you do harder metal than the aluim.
Posted By: HEMICUDA
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/15/09 04:41 PM
No, you can't use the same tool. We will have to make another one.
Posted By: 340SIX
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/15/09 08:48 PM
Quote:
No, you can't use the same tool. We will have to make another one.
If you don't mind me asking, How are thay made?
I was allways a fan of that show how it's made.
My wild guess is the stainless is rolled threw a tool like is used on a gutter machine for a home just smaller.
And the notches for the clips are cut before this is done. The the ends of it are pressed closed 
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/22/09 07:31 PM
Alright, here's a few pics of the B/E & A hood trim next to an NOS drivers side headlight bezel (slight shelf wear).
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/22/09 07:35 PM
The reflection on the B/E & A chrome is a little more crisp than on the NOS piece.
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/22/09 07:43 PM
I'd say it's a pretty darn close match! After seeing this, I don't think I'd hesitate to put the B/E & A pieces on a car with NOS pieces.
restored original pieces are not NOS, so their finish may vary from what is pictured here.
Tav
Posted By: cataclysm80
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 02/22/09 07:53 PM
So, to review...
In this picture below (used original on left, B/E & A in middle, metro on right) you can see that there is a difference in the finish of the B/E & A vs metro pieces.
The metro piece more closely resembles the finish on the 40 year old used piece.
The B/E & A piece more closely resembles the finish on the NOS piece pictured above.
Tav
Posted By: burdar
Re: 70 Challenger Trunk/Quarter Molding - 03/08/09 10:22 PM
I purchased the mouldings from B/E&A for my 73 Challenger. I was at the bodyshop this weekend and looked at them for the first time. They are more shiny than origonal but look amazing. I held one of the pieces up against the new quarter panel(Goodmark) and it fit great.
I know that pictures have been posted of the 1970 pieces but I thought I would let everyone know that the 71-74 pieces look to fit very well also.
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