Using tape to fix chrome side strips

[Bumpa]

I was looking at the chrome side strips on my 1850HL, some of which need re-attaching. By trawling this forum I found that some people have used double sided foam tape, but looking at the back of the strips, they are hollow. So how can you get sufficient grip using adhesive tape when all you've got is the tiny folded-over edges of the strip on which the tape can stick?

[Richard the old one]

Fill the strips with car body filler.

[Bumpa]

Resurrecting this old thread because now the car is painted I need to put the chrome strips on. Has anyone actually done what Richard said and filled the strips with body filler so that they can be fixed with double sided tape? Was it successful?

[SprintMWU773V]

I've used T Bolts to attach mine so they're easy(ish) to remove. You slide in the bolts and bolt them from the inside. Only one I couldn't do was the top trim on the rear doors as I couldn't reach the holes!

This method will allow you to rust proof the holes and easily remove the trim again without risk of damage to paint or trim.

[Bumpa]

So nobody has actually done this then?

[Mahesh]

I am about to do one of mine, but it has to wait until
the dashboard grille is sorted (don't ask, been 2 weeks
of work).

Am planning on putting a narrower tape on first to
fill the gap in the trim, and then a wider one on top.

[Tony Burd]

I did this on the rear panel trim, just filled about 2inches wide about 3 or 4 times along the length. It worked ok and it is still on there 4 years later although it has come away in a few places. If everything is flat then it should work, if the trim or doors are not it will gradually pull away.

[Bumpa]

One thing that I am concerned about is the increase in weight that the filler would give the strip, giving the tape extra work to do. That's why I was keen to hear from someone who has actually done it.

[Tony Burd]

One thing that I am concerned about is the increase in weight that the filler would give the strip, giving the tape extra work to do. That's why I was keen to hear from someone who has actually done it.

Sometimes you just have to be the first to try these things.

Personally I would go with Mark's solution using T bolts, it works so why not go that route?

[dollyman]

I would go for the t clips if possible, but i would not use body filler as it is porous
One thing i have tried is "sikaflex" brilliant stuff and wont fall off
Cheers, Tony.

[Jon Tilson]

One of mine came to me with the lower door trim attached with double sided tape.

Contrary to what might be expected this made the tendency to rust behind the trim strip worse.

Having got the strips off which of course was a right old PITA I then refitted with the bresco clips. Some of my strips needed replacing
as I couldnt get them off without damage.

Use the OE style clips....or fill the holes and do away with them....my 2 cents.

Jonners

[Bumpa]

Use the OE style clips....or fill the holes and do away with them....my 2 cents.

I think you are right (as usual) Jonners, and I shall use the clips. What about the little square plastic clips for the waist level trim? I haven't seen these advertised anywhere.

[Jon Tilson]

Bresco do an equivalent that matches the strip width. The old square ones are best though so do preserve them if possible.

Jonners