Question on opera window trim

by bitterfitter Sun Aug 17, 2014 11:31 am

How many different styles of tr is there? I have the large triangular side windows. I have a set of trim pieces from one of my old cars but I don't think they will work. The ones I have are stainless and 2 pieces per side. One piece is the bottom and the short side along the door end. The second piece is the long top side. The curved ends are factory bent into them. These are not going to work with my vinyl top as they are tight just on the metal and would not snap around the vinyl also.
I thought I have seen these in chrome plastic. I also thought I have seen a set for vinyl top cars.

Any thoughts as to what I need to get here? There seems to be many different sets of these trims and they all seem pricey. Hate to buy a set that won't work.

by Mcarlo77 Sun Aug 17, 2014 12:50 pm

Since you have stainless trims, why don't you just gently widen the channels so they fit over the vinyl? Just use caution so as not to scratch them.

by bitterfitter Sun Aug 17, 2014 1:36 pm

I was going to try that. I just wondered because the others I see are all one piece with a little end piece that no one sells. Why are mine totally different from that style?

by Mcarlo77 Sun Aug 17, 2014 2:01 pm

That's because yours are the one-year only (1973) stainless. The two halves interlock at both ends to form a continuous trim. GM went to the chrome-coated plastic style in '74 that are one piece and require the corner escutcheon to join the ends. The repro ones available are the chrome-coated plastic style...and, we all know how well those held up over the years. You're way better off in the long run using your stainless ones.

by bitterfitter Sun Aug 17, 2014 2:21 pm

I did not know '73 had its own style. These are off a '73. Guess I'll shine them up and give them a try.
How come I never see this style for sale? I always see people selling the other style.

by Joe73 Sun Aug 17, 2014 2:43 pm

PM sent

by mikidymac Wed Apr 08, 2015 7:27 pm

Just to bring this thread back, What did you end up doing?

My 73' SS is all original and my dad bought it brand new and mine has the plastic chrome trim with the metal corners.
That is how it came from the factory.

by bitterfitter Wed Apr 08, 2015 7:44 pm

I didn't get that far yet. I am actually just out in the garage laying down paint on some last pieces for the car. It won't be long now.

by Mcarlo77 Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:17 pm

Quote: "My 73' SS is all original and my dad bought it brand new and mine has the plastic chrome trim with the metal corners.
That is how it came from the factory."

Interesting...

I'd say your dad was screwed out of the better stainless ones if he didn't get them on his car. What is the build date of the car? Maybe they had started the switch-over late in the model year?

by RossK73 Thu Apr 09, 2015 4:06 pm

I think that is the case. Mine is a November car and came with the plastic. Luckily I had bought an extra set at the dealer back in 2000 and they are still good. The old ones are yellowed and are still in a box somewhere.

by dynchel Thu Apr 09, 2015 6:28 pm

I scored a nice pair of '73 stainless window trim a while back. No comparison to the later plastic crap. Only problem IMHO is the stainless likes to scratch the paint while trying to install it.

by mikidymac Fri Apr 10, 2015 1:42 pm

Not sure on the build of mine but I do have the original window sticker so I could check. I also kept the chrome corners and purchased the plastic ones that OPGI is now making. I am in the process of stockpiling all my parts for the complete rebuild in a year or two. The wife surprised me with the entire LS3/430 connect and cruise package for Christmas so the anticipation is killing me.

by Wallyuph Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:45 pm

mikidymac wrote:Not sure on the build of mine but I do have the original window sticker so I could check. I also kept the chrome corners and purchased the plastic ones that OPGI is now making. I am in the process of stockpiling all my parts for the complete rebuild in a year or two. The wife surprised me with the entire LS3/430 connect and cruise package for Christmas so the anticipation is killing me.

You will love that set-up I just did it last year.

by mikidymac Fri Apr 10, 2015 7:33 pm

Thanks Wally. Not to hijack here but I am finally getting excited with this car since I stopped driving it in 1995. Lots of plans and finally have the money to do it. Interior will be stock but everything else modern pro touring.

So how is the 430 HP? I almost went with the 480HP but couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $1000 for the upgrade.

by Joe73 Fri Apr 10, 2015 8:26 pm

Build date would be on the trim plate. Pass side top of the cowl by the wipers.

by Wallyuph Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:12 am

mikidymac wrote:Thanks Wally. Not to hijack here but I am finally getting excited with this car since I stopped driving it in 1995. Lots of plans and finally have the money to do it. Interior will be stock but everything else modern pro touring.

So how is the 430 HP? I almost went with the 480HP but couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $1000 for the upgrade.

I had bought the 480Hp but they were out of stock on the controller so I felt ok do I really need this for the cruiser I'm building and did not want to wait for a week for it to come in. Its got plenty of power for me and gets great mileage. I'm running 373 gears in rear end. Really woke it up as I had 308's. Working on Wilwood break upgrade rights now.

You should start a new post on the build so we don't high jack this one.

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