Cuda repro wheel opening mouldings

[mrob]

I'm getting ready to order some repro wheel mouldings for my 73 Cuda and I've heard that some fit better than others. Maybe you can share your experiences for decent fitting mouldings that don't cost an arm and a leg? I'm not looking for concours resto parts - I'm looking for something that fits without beating and bending to make it fit on a driver.
Thanks!

[matt63]

I bought a set a couple of years ago but I can't remember whether they were from YO or another vendor.  I doubt that more than 1 or 2 companies manufacture these.  They look good now but did not fit properly "out of the box".  I had to make numerous cuts in the inside lip/flange so I could bend them to fit the contour of the quarter panel wheel lip opening.

[MJS73]

I got the ones for my Challenger from The Mopar Shop and they were just fine.

Mike

[mrob]

Thanks Mike.

I found a set on eBay that are similar in price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220144409827&rd=1

Also found another set of mouldings that are more expensive:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270170636118&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

Wonder why there's almost $100 difference between the two. Also wonder if there's much of a difference in fit between the two?

Any more experiences or opinions on the matter?
Thanks.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The after-market moldings for Challenger's look NOS, and the fit isn't bad. I had to message and enlarge a couple of screw holes, but that was it. I'm not sure if the same deal goes for Cuda's.  I have heard that even the NOS moldings that go for $700-$800, have fitting problems too. 


  Mike

[Green Drop Top]

Everyone has a different standard for what is acceptable or not. I'll just add this. NOTHING made is an exact duplicate of original Cuda wheel lip moldings, further more, nothing fits the same (be it good bad or otherwise). That being said, it's the biggest reason mint NOS sets bring big bucks (how big? $1,200-$1,800.00 last time I saw a couple sets sell). Something to seriously consider If you are doing a top shelf OE style resto, or doing a big bucks car like a Hemi or 6 pack car.

In my experience the Metro moldings are my current choice or vendors if you decide to go with reproductions, they can be made to fit, but they will usually require some tweaking and screw hole adjustment to do so.

[bb71challenger]

Everyone has a different standard for what is acceptable or not. I'll just add this. NOTHING made is an exact duplicate of original Cuda wheel lip moldings, further more, nothing fits the same (be it good bad or otherwise). That being said, it's the biggest reason mint NOS sets bring big bucks (how big? $1,200-$1,800.00 last time I saw a couple sets sell). Something to seriously consider If you are doing a top shelf OE style resto, or doing a big bucks car like a Hemi or 6 pack car.

In my experience the Metro moldings are my current choice or vendors if you decide to go with reproductions, they can be made to fit, but they will usually require some tweaking and screw hole adjustment to do so.



Scott, I have heard the best thing to do in anticipation of using aftermarket wheel lip moldings is to weld up the original holes and drill new ones where needed. I can still easily do this as my car is still in epoxy primer awaiting its first block sanding. Is this a good idea?

[Green Drop Top]

I would get the moldings and pre fit them before welding any holes up, after you get them to fit go ahead with paint. If they are a poor fit, yes, weld em' up.

[miketyler]

yeah, I bought the YO moldings and the fit wasnt great but was workable. I would say 50% of the holes lined up. A shrinker/stretecher comes in handy to add more contour where you need it. Not a perfect fit but they and the rocker trim do add a finished and more defined look to the car!

[fishn4cuda]

I agree with what Harm's has said. Anything reproduction usually needs tweeking or modification to fit or look right. We've been collecting up good originals and having them repolished. Some have required holes from splash guards welded shut. The originals have never let me down for fit.

[jeryst]

Wonder why there's almost $100 difference between the two. Also wonder if there's much of a difference in fit between the two?

Price doesn't mean anything. Could be the same parts from different sources. The cheaper ones may fit better or vice/versa.

I shopped around for a gas tank, and found $100 difference for the same exact tank.

If you know the manufacturer, hopefully someone on here has had experience with their product.

[Confederate Cuda]

I have a set that I bought at Carlisle this year but have decide not to have moldings on my car. I will tell you that they did not fit as well as the orignals and will need some manipulating. I paid $245 for them but would sell them for $200 if you want them.