Rare 60-61 GM Stainless Paint Divider Trim History Wanted

[par4tom]

Here's an update on my truck with the trim...I kinda like the concept now that I've seen it in its more completed state. It gives the truck just a bit of "pop" without going overboard!

[duallyjams]

That's GMC trim.

[Old Ford guy]

Beautiful paint. And that is definitely GMC trim from what little I know. I have a 61 deluxe with it.

[par4tom]

Thank you Ford...

I found out in starting this thread it was a GMC part...it was a bit of a challenge to mount and form to the cab but in the end I hope it was worth it...

Best,
Tom

[padresag]

Originally Posted by par4tom

Thank you Ford...

I found out in starting this thread it was a GMC part...it was a bit of a challenge to mount and form to the cab but in the end I hope it was worth it...

Best,
Tom

chevy cab is basically the same as a gmc so why would one have to form it to the cab?
ron

[Old Ford guy]

Originally Posted by par4tom

Thank you Ford...

I found out in starting this thread it was a GMC part...it was a bit of a challenge to mount and form to the cab but in the end I hope it was worth it...

Best,
Tom

Can you help me with the issue you had with the clips and mounting? You mentioned earlier that that was a whole story in itself. I have purchased some from LMC that are not going to work, totally the wrong size. Do they even offer the right ones? They do not list it in any of their catalogs or online.

[par4tom]

Ford,
Give me a couple of days. I'll take some photos and show you why these were a complete pain to install...but...it can definately be done!

And Ron, the radius of the curve in the stainless didn't fit the radius of my cab. If you go back and read my earlier comments, there was a pretty size able gap between the cab and the trim. To get it to fit, took some time and patience with Rage Gold filler mixed with Duraglass.

[par4tom]

Here is my follow up to the challenges I faced on putting this trim onto a truck that didn't have this trim before. As I mentioned, the shape of the cab did not match the shape of the trim. Therefore, I had to form out the corners and flatten the back of the cab to get the trim to lay flat.

Photo 1 - Finished Cab with trim installed

Photo 2 - Cab Corner Passenger Side. Before starting, I had about a 3/8" gap around both the driver and passenger side corners

Photo 3 - Cab Corner Driver Side

Photo 4 - Metal Clip I used to hold the trim down. I tried the plastic push in types but they would not lay the trim as flat as these.

Photo 5 - As you can see, this clip requires a nut to hold it to the sheet metal. In my next post, I'll show you what I had to do inside the cab to get this to fasten...

[par4tom]

(Continued)

Photo 6 - Here is the inside of the cab. I drilled about an 1/8 hole for the clips from the outside of the cab after laying out the lines where I wanted the trim to go, and then while drilling this same 1/8 hole from the outside, I drilled through the second layer of metal to create a pilot hole with which to attach the nuts that hold on the clips.

From the inside, I drilled a hole just big enough to get a nut-driver wrench through the opening. I'll cover these holes up with trim panels once I get the outside of the truck done and get started on the inside.

To save from drilling extra holes inside the cab, I was able to attach the clips in the corners of the cab, reaching behind the sheet metal and threading on the nuts without drilling more holes. But across the back of the cab, I needed to space the clips out and couldn't reach the studs to thread on the nuts.

One thing to notice, is the two holes in the middle that are closer together, each one has a clip that holds that piece of stainless firmly to the back of the cab right at the edge of the trim.

I did it this way as I plan to build a fully custom stereo system in this truck, and the subwoofers would have rattled the trim. With the steel clips and all the attachments, the trim won't rattle now.

Photo 7 - Just another photo of the trim.

Photo 8 - Shows the two pieces where they overlap in the back of the cab.

Photo 9 - This is just a before picture as I was trying to fit the trim to a cab that quite frankly, was not very straight! I don't think GM cared much about these things back in 1961!!


Tom

[Old Ford guy]

I see why you call this truck the money pit. With the attention to detail you are using you are doing a beautiful job. This trim was originally installed with spring steel clips that snap in. I am having trouble finding the right ones. LMC truck does not even list them in any catalog and the Car and Truck Shop say they are our of manufacture from the makers.

I am thinking of buying the smaller side trim for a 66 Chevy and see if that will fit, it is the same style. LMC told me it will take 2 to 3 days for them to measure it. Customer service is not a concern when they know you have limited options.

[par4tom]

Thank you Ford. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying this, but it does have its challenges. I looked for those factory clips everywhere and I could not find the right ones to lay the trim flat anywhere. The lmc ones didn't fit...

I should get the bed back from paint in about a month, I hope this trim offers a subtle accent. 99.9% of people will never notice it...sigh!!!

[padresag]

Originally Posted by par4tom

Thank you Ford. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying this, but it does have its challenges. I looked for those factory clips everywhere and I could not find the right ones to lay the trim flat anywhere. The lmc ones didn't fit...

I should get the bed back from paint in about a month, I hope this trim offers a subtle accent. 99.9% of people will never notice it...sigh!!!

it looks like a pretty good fit.
have you checked out these fellows cataloque?
https://www.auveco.com/
ron

[par4tom]

Thank you for that info Padre...I had never heard of the place you mentioned! Wish I had....
Tom

[FastEddy]

I know I am bringing up an old thread,but considering there is not much info out there on this trim, figured I would post. I have this trim on a 1961 GMC 1/2 ton long stepside. I can post pics of the clips here for reference if needed...they are push in style from factory, so you don't need to drill holes inside the cab. Will try to get good pics of clips and hopefully someone can find a match.

[FastEddy]

Here are the pics of the trim clips from factory...they had a little rubber gasket to seal the hole as well.

[duallyjams]

Thanks for sharing.