[Joeks]

Just got my first boot, for a 65 Malibu. Of course there are no instructions. The clips are L in appearance with the base of the L being crinkly. I am assumming the crinkly side goes over the chrome rail toward the inside of the vwhicle. It appears the flat part of the L tucks into a slit on the under side of the boot. Is this correct? The clips are two pieces, as they will slide apart. I have no idea why! But I assume they wouldn't mke it two piece for no reason. please someboby help! Thanks.

 

[LKN BCK]

I will try to help you...although I do not know what a repro boot kit looks like. My car still has what I believe to be the original boot, but likely nearly the same as the one you got.
If any body else can help that knows what Joeks needs to do jump right in here!

I can tell that the flat part of the 2 pieces needs to be permanantly attached to the boot...is yours???

If yes, then likely all you need to do is slide the L shaped part of the 2 pieces into the slit in the boot where it will lock into place inside of the slit where you can't see unless you look inside the slit.

Also, when you are done both pieces will be atthached to the boot before putting it on the car. Hope this info helps you... DANO

 

[Joeks]

Thanks Dano. The clips are not attached to the boot. It appears the flat part slides into a slit on the under side of the boot. The slits are precut in the boot. I have attached pics of the clip and under side of the boot. If you will go to my signature, you will see them at the end of the pics. Thanks.

 

[LKN BCK]

I did look at the photos... you mentioned that the 2 pieces slid together without locking together? If so, you may want to bend the (I guess I will call it a) tang on the flat part of the 2 pieces so that the L shaped piece slides in and locks without sliding back out BEFORE you attach to the boot. You may want to take L shaped piece back off to attach the flat part to the boot(but not really sure)? then slide them back in after all flat parts are attached.
What did they give you to attach flat piece to the boot where the round holes are? (and don't say nothing)
Mine has something sort of like a pop rivet but not like one I have seen before.

Seems like I seen a post here in the past on what to use but do not recall.

Be carefull when removing boot from car or you could leave the 2 piece clip part on the chrome molding messing up the area of the boot where you attached it( you will learn to push out and lift to get the clips off and push and or pull out and down when putting clips on the chrome molding)you may want to practice clamping the clips on to the molding before you attach to the boot to get the hang of it so you dont slip and possibly scratch the paint when they are attached to the boot.

 

[Joeks]

Dano, you guessed it, there is nothing to attach the clips to the boot. I could attach them with a small rivet or bolt and nut, but once I do I will not be able to seperate the 2 pieces of the clip as the rivet will have to go thru both pieces of the clip. If not the clips will no longer slide together. Am I to understand that you permanently attach the clip to the boot and then clip the clips to the chrome strips? If so why did they make the clips 2 piece? Thanks again.

 

[LKN BCK]

Yes, both pieces of the clip stay attached to the boot at all times.( on or off the car)
Why, I'm not real sure but possibly because of the attaching methods back in 65 is my guess. Maybe so you could replace the L piece easily for some reason(again not real sure)
Different years have some different attaching methods also(technology I guess)

Hopefully someone will chime in and give us the facts about why they use the 2 piece clips rather than using a one piece clip.

You could probably attach both pieces together with a rivet and a small washer on each side of the rivet but I doubt that is the preferred method
Same as for a small nut and bolt.

You could try another post in the Resto Forum asking exactly how to install Ctop boot clips and you might get someone to answer sooner than here at this forum.Good luck

 

[Joeks]

Thanks Dano. I guess in summary I attach the clip to the underside of the boot, and then snap the clip on the chrome rail. The clips stay together as one unit and never leave the boot. I wonder why it wouldn't be easier to put snaps on the rail and boot and not jack around with the clips?

 

[LKN BCK]

Originally posted by Joeks:
Thanks Dano. I guess in summary I attach the clip to the underside of the boot, and then snap the clip on the chrome rail. The clips stay together as one unit and never leave the boot. I wonder why it wouldn't be easier to put snaps on the rail and boot and not jack around with the clips?

Some folks have done it that way... although, not original and to me looks kind of snap happy
To each his own I guess!
Have you tried a search on this site to see if you could find out how the repro boot clips are attached for sure? Might not have any luck... You could take to Ctop shop and they could attach clips for you for hopefully a small fee.
Sleep on It tonight and hope someone else chimes in on exactly how to attach them by tomorrow night.DANO

 

[LKN BCK]

Joeks, are you going to the show in Olathe Kansas this weekend? DANO

 

[Brob]

I just put the clips on my 1964 Boot. If you have an OPG 2004 catalog go to page 159. There are directions with pictures. I had to drill new holes in the boot plastic piece and also widen the hole in the clip for the pop rivet. Don't get rivets that are to long. I did break a couple of the clips as I slipped them in the pre-cut slots. If you can’t get the picture here are directions as printed. Sorry no picture in the online catalog

Yes you have the clip going in the right
direction.

Direction:
1. Slide the bottom half of the clip into the pre-cut slots along the edge of the boot, lining up the hole between boot and clip.


2. Use a pop-rivet to fasten the bottom section of the clip in place.

3. Slide the upper half of the clip into the slots on the lower half.

4. Push forward until both halves lock together.


My clips did not come apart they would slide but not separate. I may have not tried to separate them correctly.

 

[Joeks]

Thanks everybody for the help. I pop riveted them in today, left the boot in the sun for about 30 minutes and it went on like a champ. I have 2 snaps above each of the back seat arm rests. One fits and one is out of line alittle with the boot, but one seems to be holding it ok. i'll work on relocating the snap later. thanks again.

 

[Brob]

Got any good topless pictures. I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

 

[Joeks]

I'll get some tomorrow and post them. What year is your Chevelle?

 

[Brob]

"The Green Machine" 1964.