81-87 Body molding measurements?

[Joshua Keith]

I’ve found 1 LMC video on YouTube that states the measurements for this side trim but wanted some help from you all to cross reference and make sure these are correct.

The tape line is 13” down from the body line until the back of the rear tire. The tape line past the rear tire is at 12 3/4 then gradually climbs to 12” to meet the corner bed trim. Did you guys go 12” across all the way? Let me know what ya did. Thanks!

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[FireTruck1984]

For best results and perfectly straight moldings… Don’t measure.
use FineLine tape (like pinstripe tape) to run the length of the truck from the bottom of the rear corner radius trim to the bottom of the front marker light bezel..
Have adequate lighting..bright side light for less shadows.
Stretch the Fineline to get it taut...carefully press the tape against the body panels where it’s not touching (perfectly straight toward to body) no flexing up or down.
Leave the tape as a guide and you’ll have great results!
I like the trim in a roll much better than the precut kit because you can get a close fit.. the precut pieces leave large gaps where it meets the
wheel openings and wheel well trim.
be sure to have an adequate gap at the front of the molding on the door to clear the front fender piece while the door opens and swings in.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Grit dog]

Presuming your tape line is the bottom of the trim, looks like 12" is the right number as your line looks about 1" low. Look at @FireTruck1984 's on the gas door. there's a good 1-1/2" up from bottom of gas door to bottom of trim. That IS the factory location. to double check, I took measurements on mine and from bottom of the cab door, 11-3/4 to 12" up to bottom of trim. I'm sure mine had been replaced once at least in the past, and measurements from 1 side to the other varied up to 1/2". The differences were not visible at all until I took a tape measure to them prior to removing.
The rear most piece also does not appear to break upward to meet the corner at the taillight either.

 

[Joshua Keith]

Thank you all! I think you guys are absolutely correct. Idk why LMC would advertise those measurements.

 

[FireTruck1984]

Correct, because the measurements vary throughout the length of the truck,.. Measuring from the body line to the top (or bottom) of the molding would give you a visually asymmetrical look. Similar to carpenters and craftsmen who use string lines over long distances,..it’s the appearance of a straight line that matters and is most important, especially when viewed at an angle. “Cheating“ the line is better than a consistent or graduating measurement.

Here’s an example, Although a different year (1972), this builder
measured from the body lines and didn’t run a tape line.
The moldings are glaringly crooked from front to back.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Joshua Keith]

Have a much better line now. Thanks guys.

 

[Joshua Keith]

For anyone not sure of their measurements, LISTEN TO THESE GUYS^^^^^

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[FireTruck1984]

For anyone not sure of their measurements, LISTEN TO THESE GUYS^^^^^

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Looks great !