Question about Vinyl Top Trim Attachment

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Keystone

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I ordered some pieces from R/T Specialties to reattach the vinyl top trim to my '73 Swinger, which was all in the trunk when I bought the car. There are two different means of attachment. First is this:
Trim Clip 4.PNG


Those came with some sheet metal nuts, so attaching them to the car is simple enough, but how does the trim attach to the clip? I have exactly enough of those to do the job and I don't want to sacrifice any experimenting on how to bend that arm.

The second means of attachment is via the studs welded to the sheet metal. I also received new clips for those, but I'm struggling with how to properly insert them into the backside of the trim. I can't seem to squeeze them enough to get them to pop completely in, and if I start by sliding them in from one end, they don't want to push around the curved section.
Trim Clip 1.PNG


Trim Clip 3.PNG

I searched through the FSM for the Body, but I didn't see this mentioned in there. Any tips would be appreciated.
 
The plastic clips are installed on the pins first, then the moulding is snapped in place over it. If pins are missing, the clips can be screwed in place first.
 
Ah, I hadn't consider trying that. I already have the screws to replace a couple of the pins that are no longer there. I had to cut away some sections of metal and the donor car never had a vinyl top.
Trim Clip 0.PNG


It's in 2K primer right now, but I figured I'd get all the new holes drilled before I sprayed the final color. And btw, I'm just going to paint the roof black and not actually put another vinyl top on it.

So at this point I'm trying to get a good idea where the trim will lay so I can figure out where to drill the holes for screws and those metal clips.
Trim Clip 0B.PNG
 
Looks like you are coming along fine. I would lay out the mouldings and space the clips evenly. It's not that critical, just common sense.
 
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