Experience With TFP (Clip Type) Stainless Steel Fender Trim
 

I want to install stainless steel fender trim on my 1979 300SD W116, only I don't want to drill holes in the fenders. I have seen fender trim made by TFP online that uses clips instead of screws. Does anyone have any experience with this brand/type of fender trim?

I will purchase a set and let everyone know how good they are.

I have installed HUNDREDS of sets of those. The TFP ones have a little punch out in the trim that you slide the stainless hook thru and it grabs the inside edge of the fender lip.
When I had my 80 SD I tried to find a new set and TFP lists it as discontinued. The front fenders have quite a roll inside the lip, The trim is also susceptible to theft if only the clips are used. I HIGHLY recommend using the screw holes. If you buy the TFP ones, give them a little squeeze with your hand to sharpen the angle a little (but not too much) and they will fit up to the fender ALOT better. Two people makes a better install. one to push and one to clip/screw.

The TFP no-drill fender trim arrived today. It was a horrible disappointment. Their website talks about how TFP fender trim uses a patented no-drill clip system. The box says right on it "no-drill fender trim".

I open up the box and look at the instructions. I see a bag of screws provided, but no clips. I start to panic and search the rest of the box to find no clips. I am upset that I will have to order clips. But wait, the trim doesn't even have the brackets for the clips to attach to even if I had them. This clearly isn't no-drill fender trim!

I put the trim on the fenders (with trim still in plastic) and realize that not only is it a horrible fit with stamping being off, but the trim only covers half of the area it is supposed to (too narrow).

The whole point of getting this set of fender trim as opposed to getting the brand with the German writing on the box is that I didn't want to drill holes in the fender if I didn't have to. That's why I paid twice as much, for an inferior product that doesn't even do what it says. And don't let the TFPUSA fool you; it is all made in Taiwan.

I will be sending it back and don't waste your money on the TFP fender trim for your W116 Mercedes. I guess I will be getting a set with the German writing on the box, just as long as it has predrilled holes that are always in the same spot--so if any get damaged I can replace them using the existing holes.