How to make new belt line molding for my 53' Merc convertible

[Merc Cruzer]

Back on 11/29/20, I placed an add for belt molding with snaps for my 53' Mercury convertible, since mine has been sanded and polished so many times, they had pin holes in them. Not to my surprise, I didn't receive any offers.

I tried e-bay and found a set for $300 that were, in my opinion, beyond salvaging.

I had a theory that a set from a 53' Ford Crestline 2 door (no post), would work. I did find a set on e-bay (for $83.73 including shipping) and inquired as to the length and width. They were the same, except the ends on the Ford pieces were cut at an angle. Not an issue since the ends went under the side molding anyway. Due to their location on a coupe, they were totally undamaged. I have found Ford trim to be less expensive than Mercury trim.

I found snaps, that were mounted with pop rivets ($20, free shipping).

I ordered the belt line and snaps. After they arrived, I polished the belt line pieces. I took measurements from the original pieces, only to find the snaps were not mounted symmetrically from the center. I checked with a few people and they confirmed the original installation of the snaps varied considerably.

To find the center, I measured the opening of the rear window, and halved it, for the center location of the overlapping piece. I used the measurements from the drivers side and duplicated them on the passenger side. When I installed the pop rivets I put washers under the bottom for additional strength.

The pictures below include, my original set on the car, the set I found on e-bay, installation of the snaps, the passenger side before it was polished, taped to the car for mock up and establishing location, and the final product.

Total cost $103.73.