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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Is the tailgate molding that was present on the wagons (I have a 71 and 72) the same molding that was on the 68-69 el camino? I've seen posts where it was shown that the 70-72 El Camino molding will work on the wagon tailgate (I believe it was shown using the lower for both the upper and the lower), but the 68-69 molding looks to be closer to the height of the molding originally on the wagon.
 

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If you are speaking about trimming a Wagon tailgate, This may help.
I have a 71 Nomad Wgn. ( no trim at all on T.Gate). I also have a 70 LS-5 M-22 El Camino. ( This was my guide for my wagon build)
Tailgate trim:
I did my Nomad T, gate to match my 70 SS 454 El Camino. El Caminos have a long & a Short tailgate trim. I believe I bought two SHORT pieces for a 70 to trim my tailgate on my Wgn. My first SCREW/UP was using the old Org. 1970 El Camino trim to mock it all up. Mock up DONE all is perfect drill holes in T-Gate, Test mount Org. 1970 El Camino trim from my one owner. Wagon is painted, Go to mount REPRODUCTION -1970 El Camino tailgate trim. REPO stuff is a whole nother Friggen story.
When you mount the 1970 Camino trim on a wagon-68-72, OFFSET it to the right just a little ( no/one will notice it) WHY? When you open the gate like a door the 70 Camino trim will ALMOST hit on the left side. The thin or skinny factory trim has an embossed depressed area to clear the left side tailight area.
How much is my trim offset? From the edge of the trim to the edge of the door on the R. Side,, About 1/8" of an inch. Offset on the left side is about 1/4" of an inch. Or in nine years or 37.000 miles no one has ever noticed it ! For the factory weld on rivits AKA studs to hold the trim clips,,, I used the little Phillips head screw in studs.
My wagon is the VERY SELDOM SEEN COLOR IN 1970 ! ! OH GOD its RED !
If you have any questions just ask.
Bob
P.S. My wagon is a 1971, It was punched in the nose,,,, It now has my old 70 El Camino front clip. My 1970 SS 454 Sta. Wgn. is a FRUAD, And I have papers to Prove IT !
 

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Yes it is similar to the 68-69 El Camino but tapered on the end by the hinge.
I'll post photos tomorrow of the original piece I have and the reproduction 68-69 El Camino trim. it is different than the 70-72 El Camino.
 

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I only have one of the original pieces that came on my car. I purchased the reproduction trim for a 68 El Camino, it was the same size just without the tapered end. IIRC the upper and lower pieces were swapped to fit the tailgate. Still have not been installed, below are photos before paint of the mock up.

Tapered edge on the original trim



Width and detail of the original trim. Slightly different design than the El Camino



Mock up, the gate was not fully closed so the trim appears misaligned but it isn't. If positioned as shown it fits well and clears the quarter panel when operated as a door.









 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Thanks for the replies. My 71 has the original molding pieces but they're not in the best shape. They're missing on my 7, but the studs are there. I think I like the look of narrower 68-69 moldings that look like the original and follow the taillight bezel styling (just my opinion).

The 72 I bought from Pete needs a fair amount of rust repair on the tailgate. I plan to use an el camino tailgate skin as a patch panel for the majority of the repair. Pete had posted this as an option, but I haven't found where anyone documented using one, so I plan to take a lot of photos as I go and may start a separate thread on tailgate rust repair. (I'm bit a professional body man, but I do some decent work).
I've already giusto the skin and have validated it will work.
 

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Eric I took some more photos yesterday of the wagon and repro elky trim to show the differences. Your original pieces can be restored by a good polishing shop.



 

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
Thanks for the replies. My 71 has the original molding pieces but they're not in the best shape. They're missing on my 72, but the studs are there. I think I like the look of narrower 68-69 moldings that look like the original and follow the taillight bezel styling (just my opinion).

The 72 I bought from Pete needs a fair amount of rust repair on the tailgate. I plan to use an el camino tailgate skin as a patch panel for the majority of the repair. Pete had posted this as an option, but I haven't found where anyone documented using one, so I plan to take a lot of photos as I go and may start a separate thread on tailgate rust repair. (I'm bit a professional body man, but I do some decent work).
I've already giusto the skin and have validated it will work.
Man....using my phone to post never ceases to amaze me what works it chooses to populate.. Since I can't edit. I was trying to say "I'm NOT a professional..." and "I've already purchased the skin...."

I
 
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