This is a picture of one of the clips that the long stainless trim on the rear fenders of my 1956 Club Sedan attach to.  I'm trying to figure out how to best remove these clips (there are no attaching nuts on the backside) and if they can be cleaned up and reused.  I know that these are available after market, but original equipment is my choice for correct fitment and alignment.  I would appreciate any suggestions as to how to safely remove these clips so I can proceeded with my new paint job, and how to re-attach them without damaging paint or clip.  Thank you, Ron!

Placing a screwdriver between the two center pressed together tabs and twisting the tabs open will remove the clip.  Only open the tabs enough that the clip can be removed.  To reinstall the clips, put body putty in the hole or over the tabs on the back of the clip, position the clip in the hole, and then use a pair of pliers and squeeze the outside tabs together.  This will force the body side of the tabs outwards and tight within the hole.  The body putty simply stops rattles and any water that might get back into the hole.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Hi Ted

Thanks for the response, but it's not clear to me how twisting the vertical tabs releases the clip.  Do you mean turning the vertical tabs 90 degrees in either direction to get them in a horizontal position to release the large clip?

Thanks, Ron

Hi   Those clips aren't obvious as to how they work, but once you get one off you'll find them to be a simple design....great when new,but crusty to work with old ones. Take a thin flat screwdriver and wedge it between the very center of the clip, where the two tabs are presently squeezed together. What you are aiming to do is wedge the 2 tabs apart...once the small blade fits in there, switch to a bigger blade. You will be twisting the screwdriver,not the tabs or the whole clip. As those tabs pry apart on the front side of the clip,you'll find that the tabs on the backside of the clip will have moved together and will now release from the fender. As Ted said, to replace them,stick them back into the hole(covered with sealant putty) and use a pair of pliers to squeeze the tabs back together so that they look like your photo....push in toward the fender as you squeeze the tabs. This will help keep the clip tight to the fender . Hope this helps, Barry.

Prying the front apart causes the back side to draw together,releasing its grip.   Barry

Barry

Thank you very much for that explanation.  I now understand how the clips are attached and it will make removal much easier.  It sounds like a clever design and I'm anxious to get one off just to see how it works.  What are the odds that these small attaching pieces that are now 56 years old and probably a tad rusty will want to be squeezed back together when it's time to re-install the stainless trim?  Do you know if they are available after market?

Thanks, Ron

I usually take a pile of those and either throw them in a jug of vinagar or put them in my vibratory machine. OR both. Ideally they should be re-cadmium plated again. but you could probably shoot them with some protective paint to keep them from corroading under the trim. And then reinstall with the #M strip-caulk others have mentioned.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Others have mentioned it, they are available new from carpenters or tee bird products.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

Tee-Bird has 2 sets of clips.One is a more universal style for $55.00-does both sides and an original style clip kit that does both sides for $75.00.Thats for a 56 Fairlane 2 door.They have others for other series and body styles.The new original style are NOT listed on their online catalog.They are in the 2012 issue print catalog.Certainly would save trying to reuse the rusty originals.

  

Mark, Barry L. and Ted:  Because of your great advice, today I quickly and easily removed all 10 clips off the rear fenders of my '56 Club Sedan.  They're all a bit rusty after 56 years back there, but with a little bead blasting and a coat of paint, they should be good for another 56.  This is a wonderful forum and members like you guys make the hobby a lot more enjoyable.  Thanks again for you help.  Ron W.