54 Convertible Chrome Clips

[emf]

I stripped the old top of the car and when I removed the chrome belt molding from around the top well, I discovered that the clips that hold the belt molding were gone. Only 3 of the 6 needed were in place. I checked all over, even with Auveco, but so far have found nothing. The repro guys have told me that the clips for the sedan will not work on the convertible. I have attached a photo of the clip I need, anyone know of a source or have any to sell?


Frank

[KULTULZ]

You are going to have to aquire a copy of the 1954 FORD BODY CATALOG to find a PN. This will make the search somewhat easier.

The info was deleted from the 49/59 MASTER PARTS CATALOG.

[emf]

I'll look for one... The first thing Auveco asked was if I had a Ford PN...

[paul2748]

yoiu might try the 54 Ford site www.1954Ford.com

[54vicky]

I am pretty sure this is number you are looking for as you said 6 were needed ford hardware number is 358397-s8.good luck auveco will probably have it as I am pretty sure they supplied a lot of clips to ford amongest other car makersP.S I should add the non convertible clip resembles it but the non convertible number is 357862-s

[emf]

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I'll call Auveco tomorrow with this number. Can't thank you enough


Frank

[emf]

I just received my parts book and found the correct part number for the clip on the belt molding. 358397-S. I need 3...

[KULTULZ]

My first dumb question. Did you retry AUVECO with that PN?

[emf]

Auveco could not cross reference the Ford PN to one of theirs. Not very helpful...


Frank

[Merc Cruzer]

Not sure if the Mercury part number will be of any help.

[KULTULZ]

Well, let me give you some more bad news ...

The PN you have is referred to as a STANDARD PN, i.e. it is a hardware number and can apply to many model lines. Your CHASSIS CATALOG gave you 358397-S while 54vickey came up with 358397-S8.

The trouble with these is that the parts catalog can give a PN, but when you went to the PRICE CATALOG (or O.S.I. catalog), it may have had a different PN SUFFIX as you have come across here. Add to the fact it was for the 54 model year, it is not likely you will come across it either NOS or re-pro.

There is another CATALOG, named the HARDWARE AND UTILITY CATALOG (of the correct time period) that will define and give a drawing and sizing of the fastener. By using this as a reference, it should be possible to find a universal clip (preferably nylon).

In your BODY CATALOG, does it give info as to whether the retainers were included with the replacement molding or had to be sourced with a separate CLIP PACKAGE? Some things were done differently in that time period.

I have a 1973 STANDARD PARTS CATALOG here somewhere ... . Let me see if I can find it before you buy anything else.

[emf]

Could be the same... it's hard to tell with the small photo. Could be the different PN because the molding is a different width. Not sure why, it the same, there would be two different part numbers, but it's a lead. Thanks


Frank

[emf]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

The PN you have is referred to as a STANDARD PN, i.e. it is a hardware number and can apply to many model lines. Your CHASSIS CATALOG gave you 358397-S while 54vickey came up with 358397-S8.

The 358397-S8 number is shown in my parts book, but is different in that there is an extra curl in the top edge of the 358397-S. My guess is that the convertible molding is a bit taller than the sedan/vicky molding...


Frank

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Not sure if the Mercury part number will be of any help.

That was nice of you.

THANX!

[KULTULZ]

Here's a tutorial that will help you understand this series of PN's -

http://www.fordification.com/tech/pa...s_hardware.htm

[emf]

Extremely helpful link. I saved it to a file for future reference.

[Merc Cruzer]

The parts book seems to show more than one number for the clips

[54vicky]

sorry to hear they could not help after asking you for ford part number.you probably know it may be a hard find as I think 52-54 may be the only years it was used.if that is the case I doubt OSI will help and same goes for the price books hopefully I am wrong.the pic of book tool showed is a source for number I gave you.again good luck.just noticed mercs post yes ford used the buttons not the clips he needs he needs the clips that attach the molding to body

[54vicky]

someone may chime in with the merc numbers as this may give you another source

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by 54vicky

someone may chime in with the merc numbers as this may give you another source

The Mercury number appears to be 358396-S

[emf]

Funny, but the number you quoted, 358397-S8 is also shown in my parts book in the tables for the convertible, but the photo of the part in the front of the book shows 358397-S. In either case, the part seems to be unavailable, regardless which PN you use. I may have to use a universal molding clip and drill new holes. At least it's all covered by the molding...


Frank

[emf]

Your second photo, if showing the section to the side of the molding just behind the rear window, has newer looking hardware. Did you install this or was that there. Here are the photos of my car. I think they are about the same.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

Funny, but the number you quoted, 358397-S8 is also shown in my parts book in the tables for the convertible, but the photo of the part in the front of the book shows 358397-S. In either case, the part seems to be unavailable, regardless which PN you use. I may have to use a universal molding clip and drill new holes. At least it's all covered by the molding...

Frank

Both PN's will be the same fastener. The PN Suffix -S identifies it as a STANDARD HARDWARE PART. The 8 denotes the finish/color of the fastener.

If there is a large auto paint/body supply in your area, they should be able to give you a reasonable match (universal).

[Merc Cruzer]

Were the same clips used to install the chrome strip on the two door coupes? You might be able to find them in a salvage yard. Not too many convertibles in salvage yards these days.

[emf]

Per the parts manual, convertibles were the only one to use this clip. Universal is probably the way to go. luckily, I have some time to make the decision...


Frank

[emf]

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Received an email over night that Restoration Supply in PA has found the clip I need. Will call today to purchase. Thanks for all the help and suggestions...


Frank

[54vicky]

good to hear you have found the right part keep us updated