1956 Aluminum Door Trim installation

[knuckle47]

What would the the correct way to install this aluminum trim on the new door panel? I have read it is cemented in place in the trim and sealer manual but it is a new book with the most black poor quality images. I also think I have read it is stapled in place.

Who has done this and how did you do it?

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[Ward 57]

Well, I've been asking the same thing. I replaced the passenger door panel and learning to do the driver's door. The trim manual states they were stapled on just like the door whiskers ( Pm me I've done that ) Those industrial staple guns were amazing, But even my Stanley heavy staple gun didn't punch through. Tiny furniture tacks would probably do it but didn't have any. Hot glue worked long enough to get the arm rest and other trim to hold it.
Back at it this spring to do the final fit and fill the worn out screw holes with JB weld. Driver's door next after I learn my lessons.

 

[jack-in-sac]

For this and other stapled items I have made a jig for consistent "stapling". I then mark a place of that width on a pair of needle nose pliers. I use the jig to drill holes and make my own staples out of stainless steel welding wire, I used the spacing on my fender skirts as a guide for the width of the staples. I then glues the welting on the fender skirt and using a very small drill bit I drilled holes from the inside out through the existing fender skirt holes and glues on welting. this is the width I used for other stapled items like the engine turned door trim.
This may work for you too. Good luck, J.

 

[knuckle47]

Gee Whiz @jack-in-sac … from reading it, seems like a chore but clearly a good secure method. The stainless wire is a long term solution. I’ve seen regular staples disintegrate in a few short months in weather. I may try my sons commercial stapler in that case. they use it for wire lathe prior to mud floors for tile. The staples are stainless also. But that attempt is a few days away and I was hoping on finishing this tonight. This east coast weather is still only in the high 30’s and wind kills the mood. Supposed to be near 60 Saturday

@Ward 57 i was thinking that the door garnish would help hold things in place as does the arm rest. My new power window trim came today and the power window harness for the driver door will be here tomorrow. When I had the steering column out and stuck my hand under the dash to feel the clock mount, (that’s the next piece)I accidentally fixed the dashboard dome light… then I un-fixed it. In other words just touching those hard wires underneath shook something in place, one reason I don’t trust this car. The steering column cleaned up beautifully… was greasy, over sprayed and blackened

 

[Ward 57]

I accidentally fixed the dashboard dome light… then I un-fixed it. In other words just touching those hard wires underneath shook something in place.

Yah those dash lights can be finicky. Just pull one at a time grease the base of the bulb with di-electric grease along with the spring clips on the receptacle. I think grounding and galvanic corrosion is what you are dealing with. As the old saying goes 'Use it or loose it' applies and it sounds like you found one that wasn't used much.