IML: re. '55 Rocker mouldings

In a message dated 02/01/2005 18:29:43 GMT Standard Time, mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Dear all,

We have now started to do the minor repairs needed on our 55 sedan. However I need to remove the left hand side sill moulding in order to weld one small rust hole just in front of the rear wheel. I also need to remove the moulding round the rear wheel and the part in the corner which sits between that and the sill moulding.
How is that done, is it only to pry hard enough? Are new clips available if I break one?
Please help us out, we don't want do destroy anything!

Thanks!

I have just done this job on my '61. It is a fair bet that the rocker moulding clips on the '55 operate in a similar fashion.

Look for pairs of small metal tags at the bottom of the rocker moulding. These are the lower part of the fasteners. Then gently lever the moulding outwards from the bottom lip one fastener at a time. When you have popped the whole lower lip, the moulding can be lifted upwards off the clips. On the '61, the rear wheel mouldings and the stone chip guards are held in place with self tapping screws. The '55 may be different.

Chances are the clips will be rusted away in places. Gary Goers may have some new clips. I know he has some from '59 through '66 but don't expect a rapid response. Some of our favourite used parts suppliers may be able to help too. Bob Hoffmeister and Murray Park come to mind.

Best wishes,

Tony V.