I bought new side moldings (83 300D) and when I went to put them on using the supplied "buttons" (bullet shaped as opposed to the shorter tube shaped ones that were there) they didn't snap in firmly as I expected they would. Are the supplied buttons correct and I just need to push the molding harder? or should I try to find a source for the short tube shaped ones?

bump

I'm not 100% sure, but I'm pretty sure that the "tube" shaped one you describe is actually the piece that is supposed to stay in the hole and the bullet shaped one on your old moulding is probably inside it. There are two pieces (on my car anyway and I would assume yours would be the same). There is a rivet or top hat looking plastic piece that stays in the hole in the sheet metal, and then the bullet shaped piece of the moulding goes into it, expanding it and making the moulding fit tight. Check it out.

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick

the tube shaped ones where probably red. they have been updated to the bullet style, white.
you should push the molding in until it snaps/clicks.

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79 240D my current toy
42 years a Diesel addict

240D sold
250SE sold
220D sold
280C sold
280S sold
300D (2) sold
300CD sold
300DT sold
300SD sold
380SL sold

I just did a reinstall on my 240D today with the new white inserts and they worked perfect.

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'10 Chrysler T&C Stow-N-Go White. Grandpa's ride.

'13 Chrysler 200 Touring Candy Red. Grandma's ride.

Age and cunning will always over come youth and vigor.

The bullet shaped inserts that came with the new molding are red, should I get white ones from a stealership?