Cuda Door Top Trim Question - Does anyone know...

[71cudajoe]

Does anyone know what the rule of thumb is for which Cudas/Barracudas came with door top trim. Was it simply a trim option that could be ordered in any year from 70 - 74? Or was it a standard that only came with certain models? I ask because I heard once that Barracuda models didn't offer this trim option and I'm wondering if that is true.

In researching photos on the Internet, I've noticed Cudas and Barracudas (in various years) both have door top trim, but I don't know if any of the cars I'm looking at are OEM correct. I've had two Barracudas myself. One had the studs and trim tabs (like shown in the photo below) for mounting the door top trim and the other didn't. I don't have fender tags for either car, so I couldn't compare to see if this was an option or not. Both of the cars are Barracudas (not Cuda models), so it made me curious.

[mopardave]

M31 is the code for the belt molding.

[71cudajoe]

M31 is the code for the belt molding.

Thanks, MoparDave. And this was an available option on any Barracuda and Cuda?

[acudanut]

M31 is the code for the belt molding.

What does belt molding have to do with door trim ?
What is belt molding also ??

[71cudajoe]

What does belt molding have to do with door trim ?
What is belt molding also ??

I didn't exactly make the connection with that either. I just assumed "belt molding" was the official term for door top molding.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Yes guys,

  For some reason that escapes me, the top of the door trim and the mating trim for the bottom of the rear quarter windows is referred to as belt molding.

[mopardave]

Parts catalog refer to them as belt molding, the door trim top piece is the sweep/weatherstrip, and conflict back and for over the years in different catalogs.

[acudanut]

Belt molding to me means....maybe seat belt ??

[torredcuda]

Belt height.

[Edison1970]

What is the correct way to remove the molding?  I don't want to damage the molding or the door.

[Alaskan_TA]

Belt height.

Yep. Odd but true. Belt high if standing next to the car.

Your belt height may vary.

[jforest1]

What is the correct way to remove the molding?  I don't want to damage the molding or the door.

I'm actually in my door right now putting on a callout.  I don't know but I can offer up some clues. 
1.  Based on the picture above, looks like are screws holding it on.
2.  Pushing it to the front and back, it seems to slide a bit, but since it is concave, I don't think this is the way to remove it and I didn't try forcing it.
3.  Looking inside the door with the door panel off, there is a felt strip that the window slides up as you roll it up/down.  It is on the external side of the window and runs along the top of the door on in the internal side of the belt molding.  After a closer look, it is held on via 4-6 tiny screws.  If you take a few of those out, you may be able to see beyond it to the belt molding.  If you have to take it OFF completely to replace/add belt molding, this may be problematic, as the window appears to be in the way a bit (even fully rolled down).

Good luck and tell us how it goes, as I'd like to replace my driver side belt molding!

JF

[CarelianCuda]

M31 Belt Moldings was optional for 70-71 Barracudas at $13.60 - $13.45 price.
Std on 'Cuda & Gran Coupe (Except AAR & probably some very early production LA built 'Cudas?)

[71GTX]

M31 Belt Moldings was optional for 70-71 Barracudas at $13.60 - $13.45 price.
Std on 'Cuda & Gran Coupe (Except AAR & probably some very early production LA built 'Cudas?)

My early production Hamtramck Cuda does not show the M31 option, at least on the fender tag....nor do the doors nor rear side glass show any indication of them ever having the molding strips mounted....

[swede-cuda]

 :wave:i wonder what years they used studs versus screws to hold the clips for the molding?