Where To Find Best Quality Chrome Wheel Arch Fender Trim

[Papalangi]

To be honest, I've never tried the silicone and have not heard about it causing rust altho, since it does release acetic (sp?) acid while it's curing it could do some damage to delicate surfaces.

Michael

[oscar]

I've been told time and time again that the clips don't work.

Depends on the clips really.  The ones I got with my first set were "T" shaped straps.  The tongue would slide into a pre cut slice in the trim then wrap into wheel well.  Not very securely so I ended up screwing them all in. 

The second set had clamps rather than clips, which I'm missing unfortunately but on the box for instructions is this pic.  I think this type of clamp would be best.  To be honest though, I can't work out from the pic how the clamps are hidden in the wheel well.  Presumably not to scale either.

[Squiggle Dog]

Hmmm... I would be happy to install them without screws if there was a way of doing it that worked. I am curious about the clamps as well.

[Squiggle Dog]

Apparently new brass ones can be bought here for $330: http://www.fendertrim.com.au/?p=738 .

[Squiggle Dog]

I just bought an NOS set that's triple chrome plated brass. Paid $50. Hopefully it ends up being a nice.

[chrismsullivan]

Nice work! Where did you find a NOS set for $50?

[Squiggle Dog]

Nice work! Where did you find a NOS set for $50?

I saw it on eBay as a completed auction that had no bids. The seller sold it to me for $50 plus shipping. It will be interesting to see how well it looks and fits.

[oscar]

Apparently new brass ones can be bought here for $330: http://www.fendertrim.com.au/?p=738 .

Thanks for that link Squiggle.

[Squiggle Dog]

If the set I bought is nice enough, I'll see if the seller has more on hand.

[Squiggle Dog]

My fender trim arrived today and I must say that it's really nice. It's triple plated chrome over brass. It comes with pre-drilled holes, screws, and rubber gaskets. It fits the entire arch area. I think this is old 1980s stock. Made in Taiwan, though, by Auto Accessories. It's probably the best quality you can buy under $300. Here's the same guy I got mine from: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330484520660

[Squiggle Dog]

Today I tried to install the trim and it is not even close to fitting! They are not curved enough and when I tried to carefully bend one to fit it kinked! I'm so upset. Maybe I should spend the $300 for some if they actually fit. This is the second set I've tried where none of the 4 pieces are even close to the correct shape.

[KenM]

That's very disappointing Squiggle, reading this thread has inspired me to look at my own setup, it looks very much like the pic you posted back on page 1, same colour etc, mine fit beautifully all round, I had thought that they were stainless but now suspect they may be chrome due to the lack of scratches on them. I'm sure they have been on the car a long time, for what it's worth they are fixed with screws, you have to look up under the guard to see them though. Anyway, obviously the correct fit ones are available, particularly disappointing since you got some NOS ones, you'd think they would slip straight on. No advice I'm afraid.

[calvin streeting]

This is intresting, as mine are the same as (well at least the lable) as oscars, they are a bit scratched and don't look like brass, so cool....

Mine have screw holes, they might have been drilled by the PO. but as my wheel arches are repaired i kind of don't what to make holes in them. so clips wuld be better.

Also the rubbers where completly shot, so if anyone knows where to buy that per meter it would be helpfull ?

[Squiggle Dog]

To clarify, the ones I got were made in Taiwan, but older, probably 1990s stock. They have a beautiful chrome finish but I couldn't get them to fit and put a slight kink in one trying.

So, I buckled down and purchased that expensive set on eBay. Apparently, they have another set they just listed: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400167150005 . I won't say what I paid for my set out of courtesy to the seller, but it was less than the currently listed set (which may be their last).

This is German-made NOS dealer stock from 1980 (same year as my car), so this is the real deal.

I am tired of messing around with aftermarket trim. The TFP clip-type stainless trim I bought originally wouldn't fit properly and came without clips and had scratches right out of the box. It was also too narrow and didn't cover the arch well.  Then there was the chrome plated Taiwanese brand that looked beautiful but wasn't even close to fitting. At least I haven't yet drilled any holes in my fenders!

With some of the money I am spending on my 300SD it's a good thing I have my 200D for sale: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290491979375

[Squiggle Dog]

I purchased and installed NOS 1980 German fender trim. Read here: http://forum.w116.org/test-drive/my-custom-1980-300sd-project/30/