stainless rocker trim install

[jerryasi]

Installing the stainless rocker trim pieces, have glued the seals. The clips that I got from W&N are different from the clips I used many years ago to attach the same pieces. They stand proud of the rocker when in place. Question do you initially hook the bottom of the trim piece into the clip, then force the top over?

[Mike Self]

The later style clips (like the ones you got from W&N) were originally for E21 rocker trim and are actually an improvement to the original 2002 clips, which wear and eventually make it very easy to knock the rocker trim off when you hit it with your foot exiting the car.  

 

When installing the new clips you're supposed to drive the center pin in until it's flush with the top of the clip; that spreads the tang that goes into the sheet metal and holds the clip in place.  I generally install by hooking the top of the rocker trim over the clip, then smartly whacking the lower edge with a rubber mallet.  Start at the front (after installing the stud plate and partially tightening its nut) and work your way aft.  Once installed and properly aligned, don't forget to tighten the nut up front.

 

mike

[mgben]

 

 

 

 

Mike, @Mike Self so the newer clips are improved? There are posts where people complain about them and now source the original style. 

There was even an @AceAndrew link I think.  Of course I am fully stocked with the new style and am now rethinking that and may go to the black original style. https://www.maximillianblog.com/post/a-proper-rocker

Here are some forum items I saved, no particular order just linking for you to read.  Also about the seal strip install. 

This explains seal install best

 

http://www.my2002tii.com/2006/june2006/index.htm

 

 

[HBChris]

Buy the original style from Max, the new replacements are crap.  Then buy super thin rubber o-rings or even plastic washers to give the clips some distance from the rocker itself.  Use the o-rings only where needed.

[Mike Self]

On 12/23/2020 at 11:17 AM, mgben said:

There are posts where people complain about them and now source the original style. 

Good to know.  When I last did mine (1991 IIRC) the original style clips were NLA and had been replaced by the E21 style clips.  The ones I sourced from BMW worked just fine, and seemed to grip better than the original smaller black ones. 

 

As with a lot of replacement parts, the quality of those newer style clips may have suffered in the intervening 29 years!  It's good to know the OEM clips are again available.  Will have to stock up on some before the mysteriously disappear.  Again.

 

mike

[pehlivanov_tii]

I am about to do this too, but can you guys please tell me where the exactly the holes should be for the clips? I do not know what size from lets say the doors the holes should be what is the diameter of the holes and how many should be the holes. The thing is that the sideskirts were replaced and the new sheet metal came without drilled holes for this. Is there an blueprint or something where this is visible?

[boxy02]

On 12/27/2020 at 5:56 AM, pehlivanov_tii said:

I am about to do this too, but can you guys please tell me where the exactly the holes should be for the clips? I do not know what size from lets say the doors the holes should be what is the diameter of the holes and how many should be the holes. The thing is that the sideskirts were replaced and the new sheet metal came without drilled holes for this. Is there an blueprint or something where this is visible?

Pehlivanov, I took some photos from the passenger side rocker of my ‘74 02. Since mine is flared, I don’t have the measurement of the hole for the front lower fender or the rear of the rocker connected to  the quarter panel. The hole diameter is about 7.5mm. Good luck! Measurements are from hole center.

-Mike

 

Edited January 4, 2021 by boxy02

[pehlivanov_tii]

@boxy02 thank you very much, this is very helpful!