Where To Find Best Quality Chrome Wheel Arch Fender Trim?

[Squiggle Dog]

I want to install chrome wheel arch fender trim on my 1980 300SD. Which brand is the best quality, and where do I get it?

For $350 I can get an NOS German-made set from 1980, same year my car was made. However, I can't justify the expense.

I remember that ********'s website used to sell Autotrim Accessories brand with "RADLAUF-SCHUTZZIERLEISTEN FENDER MOULDINGS" written on the box with a German address. Now they sell Uro Parts brand and I wonder if they are any good?

I already tried TFP brand that is a "no-drill" clip-on type. Only no clips are included and they tell you to use screws anyway, which defeats the purpose of their "no drill" claim. Also, the trim was too narrow and fit poorly so it was a rip-off and I returned it for a refund.

I want to find a QUALITY set of wheel arch trim that fits the entire shape of the fender arch and not just part of it like some others I have seen. I also want consistent hole placement so if they get scratched or damaged I can replace them and use the existing holes I drilled in my fenders.

Does anyone have experience with certain brands and have pictures to show the fit? If I am to drill holes in my fenders I don't want cheap junk on there.

[t walgamuth]

Personally I would not.

If I HAD to I would try to find come glue on lips.

[TheDon]

dont do it

[Chad300tdt]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Personally I would not.

If I HAD to I would try to find come glue on lips.

Whoah!! Is there a way to NOT read into this post.

[Squiggle Dog]

But I love the look of chrome fender trim! I think it makes the cars look better.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Whoah!! Is there a way to NOT read into this post.

I thought of this but expected Aklim to say it!

[daw_two]

Originally Posted by Squiggle Dog

But I love the look of chrome fender trim! I think it makes the cars look better.

IF you "must", I would recommend finding a "clip on" set in the junkyard. Take them off often, wash and dry behind them. In certain environment, the chrome lips have been known to be rust prone areas. Also, can cause paint to not fade with the rest of the car......but, it's your car.

[JiveTurkey]

I like the chrome fender trim on most models. I ordered mine from those who'se name must not be mentioned (PM me and I'll tell you where I got 'em) They are the metal screw on type and they came with good quality rubber gaskets for the inside of the trim. They fit with five screws each and look pretty solid. I can provice pics if you like, they were $90USD for the set.

[Squiggle Dog]

Originally Posted by daw_two

IF you "must", I would recommend finding a "clip on" set in the junkyard. Take them off often, wash and dry behind them. In certain environment, the chrome lips have been known to be rust prone areas. Also, can cause paint to not fade with the rest of the car......but, it's your car.

I've been told time and time again that the clips don't work. I ordered a clip-on type and it was missing the clips. I contacted the manufacturer about it and they said they don't provide clips because they didn't work and can no longer sell them. False advertising if you ask me.

I don't mind drilling holes for screws if the trim I install can be refinished or I can buy new trim with the mounting holes in the same locations if I need to replace them. I would put anti-seize paste, grease, or a rust converter on the hole threads to prevent rust from starting at the holes. I would make sure to remove the fender trim and clean the area underneath every few years.

[Squiggle Dog]

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey

I like the chrome fender trim on most models. I ordered mine from those who'se name must not be mentioned (PM me and I'll tell you where I got 'em) They are the metal screw on type and they came with good quality rubber gaskets for the inside of the trim. They fit with five screws each and look pretty solid. I can provice pics if you like, they were $90USD for the set.

I think that place sells Uro brand trim, which is stainless. Still, the price is good and if they fit nicely and are either restorable after being scratched, or will be made far enough into the future that replacements can be had, then I might go with them. I guess it would be wise to buy two sets in case anything happened to the first set. I wonder how well they fit and cover the lips on the W116 model.

I used to prefer the stainless ones but now I think I'd rather have a set that can be refinished (though maybe stainless steel can be chrome plated if it gets scratched up?). I almost bought a nearly perfect set from a wrecking yard that was plated, but they were riveted on and I thought, "Why install this set if I get a new set later on and the mounting holes don't line up?"

[pj67coll]

Aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder. Personally I can't stand them, and can't understand why someone would want to much up a perfect design, and cause a rust trap to boot. But as I said, aesthetics are a personal matter.

- Peter.

[Squiggle Dog]

NEVER MIND! I'M SICK OF BEING INSULTED BY ALL OF YOU.

Typical thread:

ME: I like this, where do I find this, what do you guys think

YOU: That's stupid, that's ugly, why would you do that

I have had it. I'm absolutely sick of people and being degrading by everyone telling me how stupid everything I do is. I obviously can't fit in anywhere. People find fault with everything I do and use it against me. I feel like I have hardly any friends in the world. All people in my life do is make fun of and ridicule me. I see past others' faults and try to build them up. All people do to me is try to tear me down.

[Tony H]

I don't know if chrome plated brass arches are availble like the ones on my coupe but they look a million times better than the thin SS ones plus they are gently rounded instead of sharply bent like the SS ones. If you want quality parts they will cost more but look much better.

[D&W]

I think they look good too squiggle dog. Forget the nay-sayers its your car, if you like it, do it.

Hope you find some!

[Squiggle Dog]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going through a hard time in my life and having opinionated people tell me that things I like are stupid or ugly is irritating me.