Print Page - 1985 Side Body Molding

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: 85bird on August 20, 2009, 01:06:42 PM

I have an 85 thunderbird. I just got the car painted and the body shop went to put on the side body moldings. They called me confused.

They indicated that the driver side molding was approximately 3/4 of an inch SHORTER than the passenger side. I thought they were crazy so I went down there. Sure as shiznit, the passenger molding spans the whole door. The driver side had 1/2 inch on either side of the molding becasue they centered it on the door.

I know for a fact that this is a stock/original molding.

The wierd thing is that the one that goes on the back of the car is shorter than the other side too. One of the front fender one too.

Now don't say I'm crazy, cuz I have measured.

Is this a known defect... or am I just the lucky winner??

Thanks,

kyle

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: Ifixyawata on August 20, 2009, 01:58:44 PM

Maybe it shrunk?

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: EricCoolCats on August 20, 2009, 03:47:31 PM

It's not just you...I've run into that before.

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: Dansbirds on August 20, 2009, 04:58:38 PM

I just put some on my 86 after I painted it and not only was it shorter but skinnier as well. I had to get another mldg

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: EricCoolCats on August 20, 2009, 07:09:01 PM

Actually I think I have some NOS pieces and they're different in length than the OEM ones on the '84. My belief has always been that they don't shrink over time, but that there were just different lengths between the original, installed pieces and NOS/replacement ones.

The 1983-86 Cougars (except for the XR7 and RS models) all had the skinny molding between the wheelwells. Even those aren't excluded from varying lengths. I believe there were a few early 1983-84 T-Bird models that may have had the skinny molding. All other T-Birds had wide molding (1983-84 were "ribbed" between the wheelwells).

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: mjbtbrd on August 20, 2009, 08:46:23 PM

Quote from: EricCoolCats;287357

I believe there were a few early 1983-84 T-Bird models that may have had the skinny molding. All other T-Birds had wide molding (1983-84 were "ribbed" between the wheelwells).

I bought a new base model bird off the lot in January 84 and I do remember on the sticker that the wide moldings were listed as an option. 51$ IIRC

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: the_intimidator03 on August 20, 2009, 09:29:57 PM

Quote from: EricCoolCats;287357

The 1983-86 Cougars (except for the XR7 and RS models) all had the skinny molding between the wheelwells. Even those aren't excluded from varying lengths. I believe there were a few early 1983-84 T-Bird models that may have had the skinny molding. All other T-Birds had wide molding (1983-84 were "ribbed" between the wheelwells).

Dont you mean GS :p

since we are on the topic of Belt side moulding. Is there a product out there like our thick moulding? as a New source..

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: EricCoolCats on August 20, 2009, 10:51:41 PM

No, I absolutely meant RS. ;)

http://www.coolcats.net/fox/limited.html

Quote from: Myself

The RS model has the distinction of being the only 1983-86 Cougar model besides the XR7 to have factory-installed wide side moldings, instead of the narrow type found on all base models.

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: the_intimidator03 on August 21, 2009, 12:22:29 AM

oh never knew about those... my bad LOL

Title: 1985 Side Body Molding
Post by: 85bird on August 21, 2009, 02:03:09 AM

Ok, bless me with your knowledge.

Why the heck would there be two lengths of molding? . . . and on the same car.

Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Body/Appearance/Interior => Topic started by: 85bird on August 20, 2009, 01:06:42 PM