S Trim Reinstall

[72targa]

When we put the adjustable spring plates and '74 aluminum trailing arms on my car (yes, I've saved all of original pieces!), we took the side moldings off. Now I want to put them back on and I'm struggling with putting the rubber molding back on the aluminum bases. Any suggestions or do I just have to buy new ones?

[RickS]

you might want to try a lot of rubber protectant as lube, and a WHOLE lot of patience. Make sure everything is clean to keep friction points to a minimum. Since the pieces have to be mounted to the car the old, soak the metal in hot water in the bathtub won't work. If all else fails, you may want to go with new. BE PATIENT - inch by inch.

[jashford]

I've done this many times and at this point can probably do both sides in about ten minutes. You won't need new ones unless the lip on the sides that holds it in is torn. I use a twisting/rocking motion working side to side a little at a time. It really does go on fairly easy. I recently replaced the rubber inserts on the front and rear bumpers which is a little harder job. I ended up putting the rubber in the oven and heated to 140 degrees or so. Worked like a champ! Must be done while the wife is away.

Good luck.

John

[HarryD]

When I did my springplate last year, I had the same issue. Slow and steady pressure seemed to work the best. As noted above be sure the rubber is properly seated inthe groove to prevent it from being cut up.

[70SATMan]

Harry, try some silicon grease lightly applied to the back of the rubber. The whole thing. It will help you to slip it in place somewhat by overcoming some of the friction and it will prolong the life of the rubber. I also use it on rubber gaskets in RF transmission waveguide for air and water seals. It gives me a good 15-20 years life on those and they are only 1/8 in thick max. It's a good idea for the backside of all the rubber trim with the exception of the side window rubbers.

[teescott]

You can also use "baby powder" to help lubricate the rubber. The powder is nice because it does not leave any wet lubricant on the rubber.

[72targa]

try some silicon grease lightly applied to the back of the rubber.

I appreciate all of the helpful comments. Would I find silicone grease at Home Depot or Kragen?

[70SATMan]

Should be able to find it. Pretty common stuff. I use 3M.

I removed all my exterior trim rubber, cleaned it up with regular detergent and then after dry wiped the backsides down with the grease. A very light film is all you need. It helps keep the rubber from drying out. If you've seen original rubber removed from trim, the places where it is most cracked is the interior at the rounded ends, even though it has less exposure than the exterior.