Door Chrome Strip Profile Fitting Issue

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Charles Foster · #1 Post by **Charles Foster** » Thu May 08, 2008 12:47 am

Group (can I still say List?):

I'm reassembling a 64 Karmann Coupe. Having a dickens of a time fitting the chrome strips on the door tops - the holes in the strips just don't line up with the door holes any more. I think I've narrowed the problem down to the reproduction door top profile strips I bought from Stoddard (PN 644 531 951 00). They have a cross sectional profile something like

0-0

That is to say the inboard ridge has the same diameter as the outboard ridge.

Examining my original profiles, the inboard ridge has a significantly smaller diameter. I was able to fit the chrome strip to the door using the old profile with no problems; too bad, like so many other things in life, the old profile has shortened with age and can't be reused.

So does someone make a version of 644 531 951 00 that more closely corresponds to the original? Or should I methodically "shave" the profile? I really don't want to drill extra holes in my door if possible.

Any advice appreciated!
Charles

64 SC Coupe
65 C Coupe

Ron Hoff · #2 Post by **Ron Hoff** » Fri May 09, 2008 1:50 pm

I just recently went thru this process myself. I found the best way for me was to simply drill some new holes as the furry strip which I replaced also was far thicker that the OEM part. This necessitated repositioning slightly downward to get enough clearance for the window to close or open. I did a full repaint so the old holes were well sealed so I didn't have any issues with future rusting. I then used #4 SS flathead screws (short!) to replace the old screws. My car is a 63 coupe and is intended to be a driver so I'm not concerned with concours stuff. Hope this helps. If I've confused you give me a call: 503-543-6750.

Larry E Trimmer · #3 Post by **Larry E Trimmer** » Fri May 09, 2008 10:45 pm

I also just did mine in the last month and at first I had trouble but found the rubber bead I was using was a larger diameter "o" and was intended for the front hood chrome beading. After I found the correct pc all went well. The trouble I had was the same bead pc that fits under the vent window, it won;t get tight enough to stay put. I am using the original chrome pc that I had re chromed, I was told that the chrome pc was unavailable from Stoddards.

Larry