'Cuda Door Trim Installation

[1970Cuda]

Hi All,

So I wanted a bit of advice here on installing my 1970 'Cuda door trim (that runs on top of the door).

1. Install all retaining clips on the door, starting at the front, correct? (See door picture)

2. When installing the actual trim, this also starts at the front, correct? And the trim is fed through each respective clip through the side of the trim with the cutout? (It's hard to see, but there is a cutout at the back of the trim.) I am also guessing that I need to actually start at the second clip on the door front, and then move back to the first, because of where the hole cutout is on the trim.

3. For ease of assembly, I am thinking some light lubricant is suggested.

4. On the last hole on the rear of the door, is the retaining clip (pictured) with the nut used (metal) or is it just another plastic retainer?

The retainers I started with are too big I believe and I have another smaller set that is pictured that I will install. Any suggestions would be great. I am trying not to scratch up the door paint too much when I install the trim. And I looked, and the shop manual does not have any reference to this trim that I can find. Thanks all and I hope everyone is making progress on their projects!

[usraptor]

Been a few years since I did mine so I hope I have my facts straight. First of all lay some painter tape just over the door edge so that it protects the edge and then can be easily removed after the trim is installed.  That will help prevent scratches, chips when trying to install the trim. (Ask me how I know) Secondly, most of the clips that are aftermarket are the wrong size and too large making trying to install the trim a major PIA. (Again ask me how I know)  If I remember correctly Roseville has the correct size clips.  Don't even mess with others or trying to trim them. For the price of the correct clips it's not worth the hazzle.  I just wish I knew this before I tried to intall my trim on the wrong size clips (even though I specifically ordered clips for a 1970 'Cuda) and butched my paint on top of the door.  As far as how to install the trim, again if I remember correctly you are correct on the process. 

[1970Cuda]

Thanks a lot for your response USRAPTOR. Hopefully your write-up on installing the molding will help others if they too struggle with it too. I really appreciate the confirmation on how to proceed, as I was a bit lost why when I originally tried to install the molding it was not going on. It was a bit of a struggle when I first tried it, and I eventually broke a few of the first set of clips as I was attempting to install the molding on; they were too short (meaning the height) and held the trim too tightly against the door frame. Fortunately, I used your suggestion of painters tape and that prevented a lot of scratches on the door paint.

I was able to use my new set of clips that were taller and yes, I did purchase them from Roseville (as I purchased the molding from as well and the recommended clip set). 

I can confirm that it definitely installs from the front. I found that it is easier to start from the SECOND clip from the front on the door, slide it on from the slot cutout provided on the molding (see picture on my original post), and then move to the FIRST clip (at the front of the door), then slide that on, and then proceed to the third, fourth, etc., clip. It needs to be worked somewhat, but it will slide on with minimal effort.

Also, to install the last attachment hold-down clip (with the nut on it), it needs to slide in from the back of the molding on the rear. (See picture.) To do that, I found that you can slide the molding all the way to the rear (off the end of the door, probably about 1/2"), lift it up slightly from the back, and then insert the attachment hold-down retaining clip through the back of the molding. I think this is correct, but others can chime in if they have more experience than I do.