Repro side trim - a case study

thom · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 10:32 pm Post subject: Repro side trim - a case study

A month or so ago, I bought a set of repro side moulding from KGPR. Then I saw that ISP West was making it in stainless, so I bought a set of that.

So, which do y'all think looks more correct?

The ISP stuff is definitely 'bigger' than the OG or KGPR stuff, but I don't know well enough to tell what it should look like. The OG piece used for ref is one of the random pieces of trim that came with my car.

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_________________
-Thom
1956 Single Cab
1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof
1957 23-Window Deluxe
1957 Mercedes Westfalia single cab
1963 Unimog 404
1965 E-Type

lonotch · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 10:50 pm Post subject:

Are you sure the ISP West Stainless will work? I thought they only made the later model trim, not for the low-light.
_________________
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German Folks

thom · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 10:52 pm Post subject:

They do now:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=394830
_________________
-Thom
1956 Single Cab
1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof
1957 23-Window Deluxe
1957 Mercedes Westfalia single cab
1963 Unimog 404
1965 E-Type

lonotch · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 11:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks Thom, I'm calling Alex tomorrow Cool

_________________
It's not about the window, it's about the people.

German Folks

Lind · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 12:24 am Post subject:

I think that there are three different profiles of original trim.
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karmann57 · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:12 am Post subject:

What are your first imperssions of the ISP s/s trim? I was really interested when I saw the ad, I have an older KGPR set and would definitely like something that will hold up better (bends and dings, the way it bulges where the clips are [yes probably incorrect clips...]).

From the pictures, assuming it fits properly, I personally would go with the ISP set.

Shane

waxhead · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:21 am Post subject:

What about the clips to attach the trim? - I've only seen plastic clips for sale, not the metal type that are on my '59.
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Mike B.

kingkarmann · Samba Member Joined: November 05, 2003 Posts: 4111

The KGP&R trim looks "crisp" with nice sharp edges and more defined angles. They look "right" to me. The plastic clips leave a bit to be desired however Sad

If you decide to go with KGP&R here's a bit of info about their clips. They use this plastic clip that has a push pin in the middle that when pushed spreads the legs of the pin in the hole to allow the clip to grab on . There is very little tolerance for any material other than the metal and the paint over it. If you have skimmed filler near the holes or you have really heavy paint the clips won't seat properly.
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pbaptist · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 12:32 pm Post subject:

It is great to have a choice now.

From the pictures the KGP&R looks more correct with the sharper edges, but the ISP is probably more easy to install. Hard choice.

Did you know that the first style side moulding has a loose piece at the edges. Later (I don't know when this changed, but somewere at the end of 56) they were one piece.

Patrick
_________________
Dutch Karmann-Ghia and coachbuild lover.
1* Karmann Ghia Coupe (1966 Teak)
2* Karmann Ghia Convertible (1958, 1971)
4* Rometsch Lawrence (nr 534, 555, 558 and 561)

Karmann-Ghia Lowlight page and registry
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thom · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 12:45 pm Post subject:

The ISP trim uses what I assume to be the same clips as the KGPR trim - little plastic H-clips.

The ISP trim is definitely beefier than the KGPR stuff. but the ridge profile isn't as sharp. The KGPR trim feels like it will kink if I breathe on it wrong.

I don't really know what is 'correct' for my car. Knowing my luck, my car is supposed to have the trim with the separate ends. I'll find those the day after I score a set of one-piece bumpers and matching guards Smile

The ISP trim is slightly wider than the KGPR trim - what's up with that? Is that correct, or ???
_________________
-Thom
1956 Single Cab
1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof
1957 23-Window Deluxe
1957 Mercedes Westfalia single cab
1963 Unimog 404
1965 E-Type

pbaptist · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 4:02 pm Post subject:

Hi thom,

I'am sure you will found then one day. Till then I think the KG&P strips are the most correct.

About the one piece bumpers: I know Jeff has a spare set or maybe only the rear bumper, and Joe Ruiz also has a rear onepiece bumper for sale.

Today I spoke another Dutch KG lowlight addict, who has a complete set on his car and also knows another set for sale. (He wouldn't tell me were Sad

). So, There are some avialable.

Patrick
_________________
Dutch Karmann-Ghia and coachbuild lover.
1* Karmann Ghia Coupe (1966 Teak)
2* Karmann Ghia Convertible (1958, 1971)
4* Rometsch Lawrence (nr 534, 555, 558 and 561)

Karmann-Ghia Lowlight page and registry
Karmann-Ghia Collectibles database

joe comfort · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:09 am Post subject:

Thom, which trim are you going to use?

thom · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:05 pm Post subject:

coad · Samba Scapegoat Joined: September 12, 2002 Posts: 7552

Thom, if you get a chance could you measure a piece and tell me the width of the ISP trim?

Are all three the same width?

Ghiaddict · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:10 pm Post subject:

I have seen a posting (on another forum)
by Scott Dempster of KGP&R regarding the
bulges in the trim usually caused by those
plastic clips. His advice was to squeeze the
legs of the clips together somewhat, before
installing them into the body, using pliers or similar.
d'oh!

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Karmann Ghia & Beetle parts available.
Convertible tops installed.

lonotch · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:15 pm Post subject:

coad · Samba Scapegoat Joined: September 12, 2002 Posts: 7552

JeffL · Samba Member Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370

thom · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:30 pm Post subject:

gregson1 · Samba Member Joined: December 13, 2004 Posts: 464

I have a '65 car with full set of the original interior and exterior trim. Jim at the House of Ghia used to refer to this early style trim cross section as the 'hatchet style' trim, due to it's fairly sharp angles. The early reproduction trip from KGPR is really very accurate in this regard for all pieces. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on my car to replace some or all of the aged pieces currently in place.

For a later '60's and '70's Ghia, the 'softly rounded' trim cross section pieces might be a bit more accurate.


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Repro side trim - a case study
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