First off, I'm new to these forums so I'd like to take a minute to say Hello. I'll start with a little about why I am here.

I am nearing the 4 year mark or so working on my 72 Chevelle. It's hard to say how long it's been, it seems like one big blur.

Anyway, my car just got out of the body work and paint phase. And I was looking at the wheelhouse moldings (front and rear) and they don't seem to fit for anything. I got these parts from OPG and was talking to the guy at Year One about them too. I was told "None of them fit, not even from the factory in 72". Now to some extent I can believe this, but the old crapped-out ones didn't seem to fit that amazingly badly. The body man told me that they never really fit either, am I just too picky or have you folks run into this too?

By the way, if/when I ever get this project "finished" I'll be sure to post a few pics for you guys.

Thanks!

NoTrolls

Hey Trolls, welcome to the board http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

The general consensus throughout this hobby seems to be the "repo" moldings are of poor quality and often do not fit. I know that was the problem I had with a recent 69 Firebird. When I did my 69 Camaro a few years back I settled for "GM only". I don't know if GM are still making them for your year, perhaps you could source some NOS ones.

I'm sure others will have some input here as well. Good luck.

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ACES #4241, TC #947
69 SS Sedan (http://www.angelfire.com/rock/69ss)

[This message has been edited by Don_lightfoot (edited 08-13-2001).]

Some repro's don't actually fit to badly, 72's for example. Some people don't know that when you put patch panels on quarters and fenders, or even replace them, it's possible to change the contour of the opening ever so slightly. It doesn't show up until you get to the wheel lip molding. A little difference from factory spec's show's up when you put the molding made to factory spec's next to it. The best way to do it is to contour the opening to the molding at the body work stage. Since that's not possible now about the only thing you can do is make little relief cuts in the inside flange of the moldings to contour it to the opening.

The beauty is GM still makes these. They do for 70 anyway, and I believe they are the same as 72'. Try your dealer out first. And yes I would say that most repo stuff like trim work is junk.

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Mat Ellison
Lincoln, Ne
70 SS 396 Chevelle
62 Impala Sport Coupe
ACES #2424

Matt, Do you know the part #'s for the moldings? I'd like to check with my local dealership. Thanks Pete

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Member# 1097
67 std camaro conv 327/210, 1978 annv vette, 1985 Z28 Camaro, 1970 Chevelle, challenged deer now in rehab, 00 grand prix,
www.chevelles.com/showroom/no1dc1.jpg

I know the repro moldings for 68-69 are crap.

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von '69 300 Dlx SS TC #15 ACES #1575
My '69 SS (http://sites.netscape.net/von69ss/homepage)

Yes, it is true. The 70-72 wheel opening moldings are the same, they are still available from Chev (or were a short time ago), and, they don't fit real good. Put them on anyway. Everyone's fits and looks the same. Just put them on, walk away and forget it. That's all you can do!

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Tom Parsons

2 of the rear opening moldings for 70-72 for GM have been discontinued. (I'm "pretty sure" the front ones)The part #'s are 3970591 and 3970592. The rear part #'s are 8702560 and 8702561 from my records. If the rear part #'s are incorrect, email me and I'll root around some more, but I'm pretty certain those are the #'s and that they are still available.

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72 SS coupe clone & 68 ragtop, 69 ragtop. www.NoNecksChevelle.com (http://www.NoNecksChevelle.com)