C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

[Clark E.]

Guys...From what I have researched so far, the reveal, retainer and molding attach to the "A" pillar with 5 short Phillips chrome, self tapping screws with relatively large, flat heads. The AIM indicates a special washer (square) is used with a screw to hold the bottom of the reveal in place that I don't have. The retainer has three holes that line up with the three middle holes on the reveal. The molding (new) has three slotted holes that also line up with the three middle holes on the retainer and reveal. The molding also extends some 8 inches below the retainer and fastens with two screws to the body.

This adds up to seven screws for each side. The fastener kits I've found have only ten screws so I'm thinking somewhere in this application, another type of fastener was also used. I've read the posts relating to sealants but haven't found one that speaks to the assembly sequence.

It appears the installation sequence would have the reveal attached first to the "A" pillar using the very top and bottom screw holes followed by attaching the retainer with the molding in place using the other three center holes. This would have three chrome screws in the deep crease of the molding where the window edge slides holding in place the retainer and black molding. It seems odd that screws with a black finish weren't used to hold the retainer and molding in place.

I've been told on numerous occasions (some unrelated to this car) I'm "missing" a few screws but as usual will appreciate any direction provided. Thanks...Clark

[Alan S.]

Re: C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

Hi Clark,
I can only offer a bit of help from my 71.
Perhaps they'll get you started.
Regards,
Alan

Upper:
Upper most screw passes through retainer and reveal molding.
Next screw through reveal molding only.


Lower:
Lowest screw on retainer passes through both retainer and reveal molding.

[Clark E.]

Re: C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

Thanks Alan. I notice in the second picture the bottom hole on the reveal (about 1 and 1/2 inches below the bottom hole you referenced where the screw holds both the reveal and retainer) doesn't appear from the picture to have a screw in it. Is this hole unused on you car? Also, are there any screws through the molding, retainer and reveal? Both metal pieces have a hole abound mid-way down that line up with a hole in the molding. Is the molding fastened to the retainer and reveal by screws or just the adhesive and held in place by the edges of the retainer?

[Alan S.]

Re: C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

Hi Clark,
I was wondering about your use of the word 'molding'. Are you referring to the weatherstrip itself?
If so…. yes the weatherstrip on my 71 was held in the retainer by some glue and the shape of the retainer. (Not the screws passing through it.)
I'll try to describe the screw locations in the weatherstrip.
At the very top is a screw that secures the weatherstrip to the flat side of the chrome plated windshield header casting. (You see the hole in the casting in the first picture.)
Next, there are 3 screws spaced down the length of the weather strip that pass through the weatherstrip, retainer, and reveal molding. (These don't secure the weatherstrip to the retainer, they secure the retainer. You just access them THROUGH the retainer.)
Lastly, there are 3 screws that secure the final 8" of the weatherstrip, the 'gutter', to hinge pillar. (The gutter is part of the 'A' pillar weatherstrip in 71). The gutter also had glue on it to help secure it in position.
So, 7 screws in total as you mentioned. All visible (to some degree) when installed.
I THINK there are 2 hidden screws holding just the reveal molding in place. (They go on first). You see the upper one in the first picture. So, a grand total of 9.
The first picture shows… the location of the screw through the weatherstrip into the corner casting, the first screw through the weatherstrip, retainer, and reveal molding into the 'A' pillar, and the first screw just through the reveal molding.
So?
Regards,
Alan

[Clark E.]

Re: C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

Thanks Alan. I very much appreciate your detailed responses. Yes, molding = weatherstrip.
I can see that the slotted holes in the weatherstrip are there to provide access to the screws holding the retainer to the "A" pillar. I hadn't noticed the very top corner hole in the "A" pillar. Your explanation of the screw placement fits with the components. There are two screw holes on the very top and bottom of the reveal that don't line up with the holes in the retainer I think confirm your thought these hold just the reveal and go on first.

One last question. Are the screws used on your '71 chrome or blackened? Paragon's kit (10 pieces) is chrome and Zip's (12 pieces) is blackened. Both indicate they cover years 68-82. Not sure how either came up with the number of screws in their kits. Again, many thanks...Clark

[Clark E.]

Re: C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

Hi Alan...I discovered a neighbor has a rough but original '71. We removed one of the molding screws and it's identical to the black finished product Zip offers. Thanks...Clark

[Alan S.]

Re: C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

Hi Clark,
Thanks for the update!
An original 71!!!…. maybe a few other things to be learned from it!
Any of the exhaust system still original? Even the clamps or muffler hangers?
I believe the screws that hold the reveal molding in place were chrome even though they can't be seen once the weatherstrip and it's retainer are in place.
Regards,
Alan

[Clark E.]

Re: C 3 1970 "A" Pillar Reveal, Retainer and Molding Assembly Sequence

Thanks Alan...I think I created too much anticipation by using the term "original". Unrestored better describes this '71. The clock shows 40k but the appearance of the car more than suggests 140k! That said, the 3 screws holding the "gutter" to the hinge pillar are definitely black and the condition of the weatherstrip (poor) makes me think it's original and never removed or replaced. I suspect as you suggested the screws holding the reveal and retainer are chrome although not visible once installed. Anyway, thanks for hanging in with me while I sorted this out...Clark