Rocker Trim - Mounting hole sizes and spacing

[revolve40]

Hi all,

 

The previous owner of my car filled and painted over the mounting holes for the lower rocker trim and I’ve decided it’s time to add it back - the car feels incomplete without it.

 

Does anyone have any tips regarding the hole sizes or spacing between holes or is this a “best guess” type scenario? You can imagine how stressful it will be drilling holes into the body of my car.

Thanks for any insight!

[ray_]

I wonder if there is a really strong double-sided tape, or other adhesive option available these days.

 

OTOH my trim is not installed. I  guess I could walk out to the driveway and look after the dog quits sleeping on my leg

 

Cheers,

[ray_]

11 minutes ago, ray_ said:

I wonder if there is a really strong double-sided tape, or other adhesive option available these days.

 

OTOH my trim is not installed. I  guess I could walk out to the driveway and look after the dog quits sleeping on my leg

 

Cheers,

 

[Buckeye]

6 minutes ago, ray_ said:

 

 

Do you have a tape measure, pen and paper in your tool box Ray?

[ray_]

Measuring from the seam in the rocker, directly below the fender/door opening, the fender trim mounting hole is exactly 6" forward of the seam. 

 

From the seam rearward (seam at 0"): 5.25, 16.375, 27.5, 38.375, 46.875, 53.125, 60.375.

 

That was driver side. Pass side is the same except the first measurement at the fender is 5.75ish!

 

The trim mounting hole centers are 1.5" below the door sill top edge.

 

This is on my '73 USA market car.

 

?
 

Edited March 28, 2020 by ray_

[revolve40]

So incredibly helpful. Would it be asking too much to request the hole sizes? Need to know which drill bit to use!

[Mike Self]

Since the rocker panel trim clips can slide along the length of the trim piece, the hole location doesn't have to be down to the last millimeter.  Just make sure you have enough clips to hold the trim in place, and use the later style clip (originally meant for an E21); much better than the smaller original style.  The trim is heavy and hollow on the back; don't think an adhesive or Velcro is gonna be strong enough.  The forward most hole (in the front fender) is secured with a stud plate and nut, not a plastic clip. 

 

To insure the trim is mounted parallel to the car, measure from the hole in the fender upwards to the kink just above it; then take the same measurement at the edge of the rear wheel opening, and snap a chalk line between the hole in front and the measurement at the rear.  Drill your holes along that line.

 

mike

 

[ray_]

before drilling, get yerself some clips and measure the pin. I'd wager it's 5.5mm diameter based on holding an allen key against mine.

[revolve40]

Thank you all - I really appreciate the super quick and detailed responses. 

[esty]

i'm inclined to believe that as long as the holes are on a straight line, front to rear the exact distance between the brackets is not so relevant as long as you use enough

[ray_]

14 minutes ago, esty said:

i'm inclined to believe that as long as the holes are on a straight line, front to rear the exact distance between the brackets is not so relevant as long as you use enough

 

I agree with that. But if the PO fixed the holes with steel wool and bubble gum, it might be a good idea to revisit them if possible

 

Cheers,

[Henning]

Here's a rocker:

Note the three big holes at the rear between door and wheel. They give clearance to the inner parts of the clips when installed.

If you drill your fender at different spots or drill for additional clips they won't have enough space inside for spreading their prongs.

(Other side:)

Don't ask me how I learned this.

 

hen

 

 

Edited March 28, 2020 by Henning

[visionaut]

Oldie but goodie:

Beltline Trim thread (2012)

 

It lists the hole sizes too.

Edited March 28, 2020 by visionaut

[ray_]

4 minutes ago, visionaut said:

Oldie but goodie:

Beltline Trim thread (2012)

Bzzt! Thanks for playing! ??

[02Les]

A kind faqer (unfortunately I forget his name) sent me the measurements for the first two holes from the rear.

 

60mm to the first and 246mm to the second. I already had the 3rd hole along, and mine measured 412~413mm.

All distances taken from the rear edge of a replacement body section part & at the appropriate height.