Auto Body Molding & Trim

What Types of Auto Body Molding and Trim Can You Buy?

You can shop three subcategories here, and each one handles a different job on your vehicle's exterior. Start with the job the part does, then narrow by your vehicle:

• Choose body moldings for wheel opening, drip rail, windshield, sill and vinyl top moldings that protect and seal.
• Browse auto body trim for accent and finishing pieces that complete your car's exterior look.
• Pick exterior emblems for model scripts, number emblems and badges like "Super Sport" quarter panel emblems.

Across the category, you'll also find Billet Specialties polished billet door handles, United Pacific chrome headlight bezels and steel cowl induction hood inserts. If you're refreshing a whole car, list every molding, emblem and clip you need before you order. That way, one missing piece won't hold up final assembly.

Not sure which group a part belongs in? Start with where it sits on the car, then check the photos and fitment notes on each listing.

Where Do Body Side, Rocker Panel and Wheel Opening Moldings Go?

Body side, rocker panel and wheel opening moldings cover the outer and lower edges of your car, where debris and door dings hit hardest. They take light damage so your paint and sheet metal don't have to.

Here's where each one fits:

• Body side molding runs along the doors and quarter panels to guard against parking-lot dings.
• Rocker panel molding covers the panel below the doors, which catches spray from the front tires.
• Wheel opening molding trims the arch around each wheel opening.

For a bright, protective finish on the lower body, Putco offers stainless-steel rocker panels. RESTOPARTS carries wheel opening molding in pairs, so both sides match. Mopar Accessories offers sill moldings if you're finishing a Mopar.

Before you order, compare the profile and width of your original molding. Measure the length too, especially on long side moldings. A close match keeps the lines of your car consistent from front to rear.

What Holds Window Trim Molding and Drip Rails in Place?

Clips, screws or adhesive hold most window trim molding and drip rail molding in place. When those fasteners wear out, trim can rattle, lift or let water in. Fresh hardware helps new molding seal gaps around windows and doors against water and dust while reducing wind noise.

Drip rail molding runs above the door openings to help channel rain away from the glass and seals.

Parts in this category cover clips, drip rails and windshield hardware, including:

• OER wire tail molding clips (#10-24, 1-3/4" long, green dip coated) in a 10-piece set.
• RESTOPARTS 1968-72 Buick Skylark pillar drip rail molding.
• RESTOPARTS lower windshield molding screw kits for 1968-1972 Chevelle, El Camino, Monte Carlo and Skylark.
• Mopar Accessories windshield moldings.

Pull one of your old clips before ordering. Clip style and length need to match the mounting holes, or the molding won't sit flush. If a clip is bent, rusted or broken, replace the full set so the molding holds evenly along its length.

How Do You Match Restoration Trim and Emblems to Your Vehicle?

Match restoration trim and emblems by year, make and model first. Add your vehicle in the fitment selector to guarantee parts fit, since molding shapes and emblem placement can change between model years.

Restoration trim is often year-specific. RESTOPARTS offers hood inserts for the 1967 Chevelle/El Camino SS, lower grille molding for the 1972 Chevelle/El Camino. It also carries a 1968-1969 Chevelle vinyl top molding clips and hardware kit.

Its "Malibu SS" fender emblems help you badge a car correctly.

For numbers and badges, Trim Parts offers number emblems, and you'll also find Mopar M emblems. OER offers a hood ornament for 1981-1987 Chevy/GMC trucks. Auto Metal Direct is another brand to check when you're sourcing restoration parts.

If this is your first project, our guide to rebuilding your first classic car can help you plan the job and decide which trim to tackle first.

How Do You Replace Body Trim Molding?

You replace body trim molding by removing the old piece, prepping the surface and installing the new part with adhesive or clips. Plan on extra time if the old adhesive is stubborn. Most jobs follow these steps:

• Pry off the old trim with a trim removal tool to avoid scratching the paint.
• Clean the surface of old adhesive, wax and dirt.
• Apply fresh adhesive or install new molding clips.
• Press the new molding into position.
• Let the adhesive set fully.
• Test the fit and check the alignment.

Take your time on surface prep, since leftover adhesive or wax can keep new trim from bonding. A trim removal tool belongs on your list of car restoration tools. If you're refinishing panels first, read how to choose classic car paint before you reinstall trim.

Shop all exterior parts at JEGS to finish your vehicle's outside and keep your project moving.