Drip Molding Replacement

[reo78rally]

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16012228_o.jpgNot sure if this is what it is called or not.
I've seen a lot of other places use the term, but i'm looking for replacement for my 4th gen nova. The trim that runs the length of the door above the window and rear 1/4 panel window, along the outside just below the roofline. nothing fancy, just a piece of clear plastic with crome layered inside to make it shiny. Just fits on the pinched seam where the roof and side panels meet.
I see a lot of chrome pieces for sale for earlier years, and these seem to be year model specific, but the 3rd gen's are just very generic. But yet, I can't seem to find the replacement anywhere. Any ideas?
Thanks Rich 78 Nova Rally
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16011690_o.jpg

[jade76]

Not yet available in reproduction for 4th Gens to the best of my knowledge. I was planning on just getting some 1/4" chrome molding, similar to door edge guards, from a local auto store. JC Whitney also offers it in various lengths, and just cut to desired length. It just snaps/slides on and has a molding sealant on inside to hold in place.

[reo78rally]

I was worried about that, next step was the door guards.
Wanted something original, have to wait.
Thanks for your help
Rich

[bighappy]

Im glad you posted this subject because my 78 has some nasy lookin faded, cracked up plastic on the drip rail and I wasnt sure if somebody just stuck it on there or if it was supposed to be there. Some of my past older cars had drip rails w/o molding so I was unsure if this was stock for the Novas. Im thinkin some chrome door edge gaurd will work fine for mine. Im not too much into the resto thing.

[jade76]

bighappy Im glad you posted this subject because my 78 has some nasy lookin faded, cracked up plastic on the drip rail and I wasnt sure if somebody just stuck it on there or if it was supposed to be there. Some of my past older cars had drip rails w/o molding so I was unsure if this was stock for the Novas. Im thinkin some chrome door edge gaurd will work fine for mine. Im not too much into the resto thing.

If it's plastic it's more than likely aftermarket stuff like what I mentioned. It'll work and is all that is available at the moment, but it will eventually fade and crack up from sun and weather. The good thing about that is it won't empty your wallet to install. lol

[Green Dragon]

Like Tony said - I've seen stick on u-channel chrome moldings that look very close to the original trim on the drip rails.

I'd just take a piece of the original ( or drive the car and check against, lol ), and hunt something down.

even if it does fade or deteriorate, the stuff is dirt cheap and could be repalced every few years to keep looking good
since it just glues on = pull it off, clean up with some bug and tar remover,etc and stick new one on .


~ AL

[jade76]

Here you go, guy on ebay selling them $95 BIN. It's for all the vinyl top trim but it has the original drip molding you want.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/77-78-1978-Chevy-Nova-Custom-2dr-VINYL-TOP-MOLDINGS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34204QQihZ002Q QitemZ4642957523

I'm tempted to get them myself, just don't have funds right now, and guy don't accept PayPal either. I always seem to have problems when sending money orders across country even though I send them certified. I had a couple bad experiences within 2 months earlier this year, and won't deal with ebay sellers that don't accept PayPal anymore.

[reo78rally]

I don't think thats the drip molding we were talking about before, I only see flat chrome peices for the vinyl top, and the mounts to them. This piece is a "U" shape very narrow, that just fits over the seam between the top and side metal. Unless I'm not seeing in the picture what your seeing.
Rich

[jade76]

Well, I guess I can't be 100% positive, but in 1st 2 pictures there's 2 pieces shaped kind of like the drip molding with a couple more smaller pieces that look like they attach to end of them. Looks like it's one piece in 1st photo, but look closely at 2nd picture, towards the left you can tell with L-shaped piece facing up has a u-channel.

I could be wrong, but I'd say email the guy to be sure, this is the first one I've seen offered anywhere since I've gotten into 4th Gens.

You might be right though, after reading the description a little better he mentions back half vinyl roof, which means it wasn't a vinyl roof but a cabriolet and I'm not sure about the drip rail molding on them.

[Green Dragon]

guys,

the trim in that ebay listing is for the LANDAU top, it goes around the lower edge of the top and the 'vinyl pieces' he mentiones / shows go under the chrome moldings.

we tore apart a 75 years abck to see exactly what made the landau 'tick', so I'm fairly certain.

look here :

http://novaresource.org/gallery4/76donh2.jpg

~ AL

[jade76]

Green Dragon guys,

the trim in that ebay listing is for the LANDAU top, it goes around the lower edge of the top and the 'vinyl pieces' he mentiones / shows go under the chrome moldings.

we tore apart a 75 years abck to see exactly what made the landau 'tick', so I'm fairly certain.

look here :

http://novaresource.org/gallery4/76donh2.jpg

~ AL

You beat me to it, I just found that out myself. Got a member just posted a car in the Gallery with the Landau top and looks like it has same trim on it.

[NOVANUT77]

I was involved in a discussion here about the drip rail molding a while back. At that time everyone seemed to think it was not available, and I still haven't found it reproduced anywhere. Similar products are available, but not exactly like the original. It is most commonly called "Pinchwelt" and if anyone does find a source for it in chrome of the same size, let me know, I still need some too.:D