Exterior chrome door trim

[Kellerbear]

Anyone know a source for chrome trim that runs between front and rear wheel wells, across door? Not sure the of the proper term; maybe called rub strip or door guard.  Presumably they protect from door dings.

I just repainted my '78 Avanti and would like to add original-looking chrome trim on each side. My car didn't have them originally. Apparently the trim strips were an option, but I haven't seen it listed in literature or build sheets. Many photos of Altman and early Blake Avantis that have them. They look like chrome with thin strip of colored vinyl in center. It may color is keyed to interior color, or a contrasting color. My car is black, with light blue interior. 

Thanks,

Tim

[WayneC]

Likely an aftermarket door ding strip, common in the 1970's, not so common now. Only 1 of the 6 Avanti's I've owned had them, a 1989.

Maybe something like this would work for you:

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-8-Universal-PVC-Chrome-White-Body-Side-Molding-3M-Adhesive-Trim-Auto-RV-Boat-/331599521397?hash=item4d34df2675:g:jd4AAOSwDNdVmszo&vxp=mtr

Here's a link from a 240Z forum...

 http://www.classiczcars.com/topic/12447-door-ding-strips/

[Gunslinger]

If I'm not mistaken, those are door protector strips added to ward off door dings as you surmised.  It was an add-on item...probably an option but I don't know whether Avanti Motors ever had a part number for them.  They may have done what many car dealers did...call in an outside specialist that went to dealers as necessary to install such strips and do minor interior repairs.  I once worked for a car dealer that did that...the outside specialists would install door rub strips, add pin striping and repaired vinyl, leather and fabric spots that needed repair before the car was ready for resale.  They could even repair minor flaws to dash padding and color it so the repair couldn't be noticed.

Check with some customizers in your area...if they can't do it themselves they may know who can.

[WayneC]

This appears to be a source with a good selection: https://www.customautotrim.com/body-side-moldings/body-side-moldings/

They have the separate chrome channels with vinyl inserts, too:

    https://www.customautotrim.com/body-side-moldings/body-side-moldings/chan75/83/

    https://www.customautotrim.com/body-side-moldings/rivet-on-molding/insert/101/

Edited May 21, 2017 by WayneC

[silverstude]

My 64 R2 had those strips, installed by the dealer where the car was sold.  They were made for Mercedes-Benz and were made of metal fastened to the sides of the car, with rubber snubber inserts.  I was never a fan of them but they worked well and were left on the car.  Later when my Avanti II was being renovated, another kit was purchased, but never installed. It's still sitting in the garage...

[Kellerbear]

Thanks, all.