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**Treken** · Apr 3, 2010, 07:54 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

I can't speak for the SS trim but as for the 3M trim, I put it on last summer and looked great without the roof on. When I put the roof on for the winter, I did not here any noise while driving that I normally heard with the hard top on (rattle & roll) so I thought great. When I took the top off this spring though, I noticed that the trim moved abit. More than likely because of the extra pressure clamping the top down. I think maybe if you adjust the clamps for the hardtop, it would not cause this problem. I ended up taking it off (with no problems) and more than likely will put on again for it only costs 15 dollars and looks great, even if only a year at a time...

**tbird6t4** · Apr 3, 2010, 08:37 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

Rob,

I purchased the SS trim in 2005 when I first purchased my 02 and it has worked like a charm. There were some minor scuff marks from the previous owner's use so I purchased the trim and it works marvellously and looks good too.

It has a 3M backing on it, like so much else available for our cars, once on it has not budged and it covered the scuff marks from the original owner's time with the car.

One point that I would make is that if & when you are installing the SS trim, dry fit it first and make sure that you are familiar where it sits then peal off the backing and line it up tight with the inner edge of the roof well opening so that the roof will completely cover trim. Once it is in place it is difficult to reposition it. Also the edges are quite sharp so use mechanics gloves during the installation.

If you leave a small edge of paint exposed it will scuff and the SS trim will be visable when the roof is on which is not correct.

The SS trim does not scuff and is the perfect solution in IMHO.

Good luck,

Gord

**BIRD 42** · Apr 3, 2010, 08:43 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

Our bird had the ss trim on it when we bought it a couple of years ago and we are pleased with the look. I agree in that the edges are sharp. you might want to take some emory paper or something to take the sharp edge off as it is noticable when you wipe down the car with the hard top off. Also the adhesive is VERY STRONG so as Gord mentioned be sure of placement before you attach.

I like the looks on the Cashmere

Mike

**vsardine** · Apr 3, 2010, 09:09 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

Had the SS trim on two cars and it works well. And I wish I had thought of the emory paper, good idea. And yes those edges are sharp.

**robpopper** · Apr 3, 2010, 09:16 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

Many thanks for the heads up and especially the installation tips. Greatly appreciate your insight.

**jerrym3** · Apr 4, 2010, 07:59 AM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

I have the trim also. Looks great on a black car, but a factory molding, rounded off, with a slightly taller profile would have really looked good.

Unfortunately, I didn't sand it down before installation.

**MATBird** · Apr 4, 2010, 08:22 AM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

Bob; if you get the stainless strips, you should lightly sand the edges first. These are laser cut and when the operator does not clean the optics between cuts you end up with rough edges that will snag your dusting cloths or fingers.
The factory is 4 miles from me and I've seen these made

**Ski** · Apr 4, 2010, 08:27 AM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

I just installed them on my black bird but didn't deburr them as recommended. The edges are sharp. It was a last resort, I didn't care for the open cell foam from last winter and wanted the convenience of being able to put the hard top on/off at will. The tape just made that more difficult. Also I didn't want to add 'bling' to the exterior, I just like the all black look. All in all, it's not too obtrusive and is made to fit. I'm glad I did it. Besides TBC had thlem marked down.

**dcrichards** · Apr 4, 2010, 11:04 AM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

At Bunny LOu's suggestion, I bought the Chrome Molding and Lou helped me install at Choo Choo. Looks like SS and only costs $22.80 plus S&H. Takes less than 1 hour. BOught online at Terry's AUto Supply, Ft. Lauderdale. The exact description of the part is #37-1520 5/8" X 20' Chrome Dish wheel molding.

**billm** · Apr 4, 2010, 08:46 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

I put the SS moldings on my black '04, didn't de-burr mine first either, but so far that hasn't been a problem. I like the way it looks with the hard-top off, and it also makes the top fit tight, so I have no squeaks or rattles.

**blue731** · Apr 5, 2010, 03:55 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

Originally posted by billm View Post

I put the SS moldings on my black '04, didn't de-burr mine first either, but so far that hasn't been a problem. I like the way it looks with the hard-top off, and it also makes the top fit tight, so I have no squeaks or rattles.

I was fortunate enough to have read past posts about de-burring the SS and careful placement. Went on like a charm, look very good on the metallic blue. I have not put the hardtop on since I took it off, but it's there if I want too.

**Leroy** · Apr 5, 2010, 07:01 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

I have considered the SS trim, but even at the sale price I think it's way over priced. To protect my paint from marks from hard top marks I use a high quality masking tape applied about 3/8" wide along the edge of the rear deck were the weather stripping on the top seals. It comes off each Spring very easily and there are no marks. To stop the rattles on rough roads or crossing RR tracks, I removed all the original Ford weather stripping and replacd it with a larger diameter stripping just around the back, the windshield stripping still seals fine. Leroy

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**ge0rge** · Apr 5, 2010, 11:33 PM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

I decided that I wanted a "chrome" strip that had some personality and looked more like factory installed. The typical ones that most owners use do indeed protect the deck but are flat and weren't the look I wanted. So I found some wheel well molding in JC Whitney, part #ZX129356T. About $25 for a 20-foot roll. Very easy to apply and looks great, at least in my eyes. I'll admit it is rather thick, so I have to pull with some force on the hard top levers to lock them in place. But definitely no rattles.

ge0rge

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**bwlewis** · Apr 6, 2010, 07:51 AM

Re: SS trim for the rear desk

George, how well does that molding hold up after being under the hardtop for a while?

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SS trim for the rear desk

SS trim for the rear desk

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