Challenger / 'Cuda / E-Body Convertible Top Header Trim?

[filmsurgeon]

Hey Guys, I don't know what the correct name is for these parts, but there are (3) rubber material trim-like pieces located on the "header" of the convertible top frame.  There are (2) curved corner pieces (driver and passenger sides) and a center piece between the latches.  See photos from my car.  Anyway, I am missing the passenger side corner piece.  Any ideas on where I could get this, or where to look?  I thought of maybe trying to find similar rubber material and cutting a piece to length and trying to shape it into the curve, but think it's gonna be hard to find, and don't know how well it's gonna work.  Thanks.

[filmsurgeon]

Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, advice, or opinions on this?  Thanks.

[filmsurgeon]

I new this would be a tough one.  I thought it would be fairly quick and easy to find the rubber material on the web, but I spent several hours last night searching without much luck. I found similar rubber strip material, using keyword searches such as: U-channel, C-channel, J-channel rubber edge trim, etc. The edge trim is actually J-Channel stock. That appears to be very hard to find in a flexible rubber material. I know it can be made, but I just want to buy about 4 feet of something that is the same, or just slightly different. I don't know the reasoning for the use of J-channel, rather than U-channel. Maybe the shorter "leg" allows the material to bend better for curves. Believe me, I found lots of other edge trim strip material, but nothing that was close enough (especially in size and profile). Of course I'll keep looking, but how much effort can I endure searching for this material for a measly 4 feet. I've attached a photo showing the profile, and a quick sketch of the dimensions.

[Nel]

I'm in the exact same boat. Been looking around for 2 years and nothing is matching. So if you want the first one to find, will share with the other.

[filmsurgeon]

I'm in the exact same boat. Been looking around for 2 years and nothing is matching. So if you want the first one to find, will share with the other.

Thanks.  I may have a lead on a actual piece, but don't know the details yet.  So, I'll keep searching the net for rubber edge trim material.  If I find some, I'll certainly post about it here.

[filmsurgeon]

Just wanted to report back on the lead I had on an original curved/corner piece of header edge trim.  The guy apparently only has "one" piece, and wants $100 + $12.00 for shipping.  IMO that's too much $$$ for a small piece of extruded rubber.  I realize these pieces are hard to find and therefore valuable, but $100 for just one corner piece seems extreme.  I can maybe understand that price if it was for all three pieces.  I think I'm gonna keep looking for rubber edge trim material that is at least close enough to the original material, and if found, I would buy enough to do all three pieces.  That way, although they would not have an original appearance, they would all match and be new, and not 40 year old rubber.

[4Cruizn]

No aftermarket stuff?   

[filmsurgeon]

No aftermarket stuff?   

Apparently not.  I certainly have not been able to find any.

[filmsurgeon]

Just thought I'd report back with an update in case anyone else needs the header edge trim.  After an exhaustive search for an exact (or a close enough) match to the original J-channel rubber edge trim, I decided on "close enough" since exact was impossible to find.  I am very pleased with what I chose, and how well it turned out.  I know it's not original, but it looks and works great, and I was not going to pay someone $100.00 (+ $12.00 shipping) for one corner piece.  I purchased 4 feet of rubber edge trim at McMaster-Carr (a total of 43" is needed for all three pieces - 28" for center, 7.5" for each corner).  http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/119/3767/=m5h4z
Part #: 8507K31 - Standard Rubber Edge Trim, 3/16" Opening, 9/16" Inside Depth (2.17/Foot = 8.68 + Sales Tax = 0.78 + Shipping = 4.91 - Total = $14.37)
I've attached some photos comparing original and new, as well as the edge trim installed.  Enjoy.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

That's a beautiful thing.  I didn't even know there was supposed to be trim there, mine doesn't have it.  I just stumbled upon this thread and learned something.  Years ago I worked in a truck factory and they had many types of rubber trim some of which had a metal strip running through it to help it keep shape.  Some was even textured.  Does the trim you found keep its shape or does it pop off the inside of the curve?  Do the originals have a textured finish, or are they smooth?  BTW thanks for posting up your findings to help the rest of us!

[JayBee]

WTG - Good find, your leg work will definately help out a lot of 'vert owners. Now you can sell your 1 original for a 100 bucks.

[filmsurgeon]

That's a beautiful thing.  I didn't even know there was supposed to be trim there, mine doesn't have it.  I just stumbled upon this thread and learned something.  Years ago I worked in a truck factory and they had many types of rubber trim some of which had a metal strip running through it to help it keep shape.  Some was even textured.  Does the trim you found keep its shape or does it pop off the inside of the curve?  Do the originals have a textured finish, or are they smooth?  BTW thanks for posting up your findings to help the rest of us!

I know there are many e-body convertibles out there missing this important edge trim.  I have seen some with one piece missing (like mine was), and others with none of the trim.  The trim is important because it protects the underside of the top's fabric from the metal edge of the header.  I was missing the passenger side curved piece, and I could see where the sharp corner of the header had already started digging into the fabric (see attached photo).  It also has an aesthetic value in that it creates a "finished" look to the edge of the header (without the edge trim, the metal edge of the header looks "bare").  The original edge trim is a slightly harder rubber compound (but likely much harder now than when it was new due to 40+ years age), and has a smooth surface (see attached photo with close-up of both edge trims; original on top).  The new edge trim I used also has a smooth surface (not 100% as smooth as the original trim, but smooth enough), and appears to keep it's shape, and does not pop off the inside curve.  The inside channel length of the new trim is 9/16", so it has enough length and rigidity to hold onto the steel header edge.  In my quest for an exact trim match, I even contacted several rubber manufacturers that will do custom profile extrusions.  However, 1,000 foot minimum runs were simply out of the question.  I'm glad that this will help others.  Again, I know the trim isn't original, but it serves its purpose very well; and best of all, it's extremely inexpensive.

[wiging19]

Nice to have this information.  Mine is missing the pieces too so when I get the top replaced I'll take care of this piece too.  Thanks a lot.
 

[Got JOB]

Just checked. Mine is missing also. Thanks