7 replies to this topic

[Bobbins]

Who is considered to currently be the best source of the wheel arch / body trim strip?

I won’t be refitting arches during my rebuild so intend to fit the full length ‘deluxe chrome’ strips but would like top quality versions.

Stu.

[mab01uk]

There is a thread on the Mk1 Forum in the Technical section which goes into a lot of detail on fitting and best suppliers, the conclusion seems to be that the best and easiest to fit is the Minispares 'Deluxe' plastic chrome trim and that the 'standard' type trim is almost impossible to fit even using hairdryers or hot water....

 

Best plastic chrome sill/arch trim:-

https://mk1-forum.ne...pic.php?t=34632

 

I have sometimes found it helps to unroll the chrome strip in advance and put it inside a length of straight plastic rain pipe out in the sun on a hot day.....not so easy to do in the winter months though!

Edited by mab01uk, 17 November 2024 - 12:55 PM.

[RichB]

I used GZF105A from Minispares. I went on well, but I needed to think carefully which way to have the curve of the trim as it came off the reel. I used a heat gun to warm it up all the way along as it went on the car. Kept playing the heat up and down the trim to stop it getting too hot in one place. Then riveted through the wheel arch at the front.

Good luck

Rich

[Bobbins]

Thanks both. Reading through the comments on the Mk1 forum I like the idea of using a piece of spare metal to insert while making the bends, I’ll get an order in with Minispares and give it ago. Tigerseal appears a good alternative to using a rivet as well.

[Cooperman]

Those ae the strips which I have used and also Tigerseal to secure each end. I also used a bit of Tigerseal on the flanges around the tight turns.

The amount of heat used is critical as if the strip gets too hot it will 'buckle' and if not hot enough it may split.

However, when done the car will look much better than with arch extensions which don't have a full length strip. If arch-extensions are needed, the original Group 2 ones which carry the strip right over the arches look great.

[RichB]

Here's what it looks like on the car:

[Bobbins]

So is the "Minispares own" the only one now available, which I suspect is made for Minispares and available via other sellers as well? 

 

GZF105A is out of stock at Minispares, and Rimmers are showing GZF105A as discontinued, replaced with GZF105.

[Midas Mk1]

Just got mine from old skool minis, (deluxe type trim)  pretty sure same as Minispares, fitted nice. Have used the minispares stuff 10 years ago and was great. just been out of stock for ages. 

Tried some from Minisport last week, painted rather than chrome - didnt bend or flex right.