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I know this is a specialty item and don't really know where to look. On bucket seatbacks for a 78-88 Cutlass, the large trim that goes around the edge, looks like door edge guards but obviously really large. Does anyone know if those are available, thanks for anyone's time.
None of those vendors sell body, trim, or interior parts for this era of Cutlass. No one does because it is not made new. Your source will be something on ebay or from a parts car. You might want to post something in the parts wanted section, and it would probably help if you could provide a photo of what you're looking for. If you don't have one from your own car, perhaps you can find something online. Pictures are worth 1000 words apiece, remember.
Just pickup the 20' roll of chrome door edge trim and use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the plastic that goes around the corners, then trim the ends. Cost about $6.00, they also have them it in different colors. Try this eBay link.
You would be needing 2 of part number 20470650, molding. Fits 78-88 G47 2 door Cutlass, A51 (non-recline) or AR9 (recliner). May fit others, but I don't know. They're light and flimsy. From what I recall they're a bit larger than the 70s versions. Not sure if the Pep Boys stuff would be large enough.
The problem with the seat back edge, it's really thick. I've tried regular door edge guard molding and I can't get it over the edge as the opening is too small and tight.
Use this search engine find the part you need. If you can find a Cutlass of the appropriate year it might have the trim parts you need. I used this website to find a spare engine for my 86 F250.
The problem with the seat back edge, it's really thick. I've tried regular door edge guard molding and I can't get it over the edge as the opening is too small and tight.
The guy obviously was able to do it with this stuff based on the pictures in my previous post. Don't know what else to tell you.
The problem with the seat back edge, it's really thick. I've tried regular door edge guard molding and I can't get it over the edge as the opening is too small and tight.
That’s where the heat gun comes in handy. You use it to soften the plastic and mold it around the edges. Just don’t get it to hot or it will deform the chrome. If the plastic is really thick, sand down the backside area, then install. Just don’t let the plastic get too hot or it will warp.
I did the same thing on a 1995 BMW. Molding cost a fortune and couldn’t find decent pieces at the boneyard.
They do make u-channel molding with a larger gap, but it only comes in black and you’ll have to do some trimming around the corners. It has a metal strip in the core and it’s harder to make sharp bends. Plus the reveal is twice as larger as the chrome door edge.
Last edited by dctazz; December 31st, 2020 at 10:56 AM.
Good idea on using a mouse sander to make the edge smaller, thanks it's just one of those tips like when repairing a door panel, use chip guard spray or stand back with flex seal and dust to get a pebble or grain look. I appreciate everyone' s help, Cory
My 80 442 is gonna be cool.
Hope the information helps. Also, if you're door panels or other plastic parts are faded, take a heat gun and blow the heat over it to bring out the oils in the plastic. You’d be amazed on the change. Just don’t leave the heat on one spot too long, it’ll warp the plastic.
Last edited by dctazz; January 1st, 2021 at 10:29 AM.
I have a nos never installed tan seat backs for a 79 cutlass Calais they came with the trim you speak of but are much thinner then the ones I have in my 79 HO.
Will try to get a pic of the trim
December 27th, 2020, 04:06 AM
