Mark V Rocker Panel Molding Install Question

[william.gardner2017]

Hello all,

This will be my first post on here, but I have used the forums many times when I have had trouble with something, so thank you all for the help.

As a quick back story, I purchased my Mark V in November of 2024. At the time of purchase, there were a couple of problems (carburetor was running rich, oil was leaking, and then some other things). For the next 5 months, I put a lot of work into fixing anything that I felt needed to be fixed. The car was ready to hit the road by May.

My Mark V was missing the optional rocker panel moldings at the time of purchase, but recently, I have acquired a pair of them. After cleaning and polishing them up, I attempted to install them. However, I am not seeing a specific place to hold them in place. I see a screw hole at the front of each (where the wheel well would be as well as what looks to be a hangar at the other end (however, the rust has mostly eaten away at it).

Now for the actual question. I was wondering if anyone knew how the rocker panel moldings were installed. I know I would screw it in at the front, but I am specifically wondering about installation along the entirety of the rocker panel (something like adhesive tape?). I am also open to ideas regarding another way to install them that wasn't used on the production line at Ford. Any help would be appreciated!

I can provide images if needed.

Thanks again!
William Gardner

 

[michaelt62]

There are clips riveted to the rocker panel that the molding pops onto. I believe they were 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide, I probably don't have any, but if I get a chance to check my spare molding clips and have one I'll post a pic. I don't see any other way to mount them because of the way they are made (not enough flat area for adhesive tape).



michaelt62

MY Cars: Custom Classics

 

[Action]

The factory had studs welded on that clips were attached. Add the clips and pop the molding on the clips. Fasten down the screw and you are done.
Double sided tape would be an easy solution.
Adhesive/glue was used on a Mark I parted out.

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[william.gardner2017]

Thanks for the help guys!

It definitely makes sense I wouldn't be able to find how to install the moldings since the welded studs wouldn't be added if the first owner didn't opt for the moldings.

These exterior bodywork projects that require cutting/drilling into the paint have always left a bad taste in my mouth (example I can think of was making room for the illuminated entry light). Granted, while the paint job on my Lincoln is moderate (someone had it repainted some time ago, and it has started to bubble around the vinyl), there is always the worry I somehow screw it up in the process.

Either way, I was able to get some photos of what I have been looking at, and they have been attached to this post. I might see if the adhesive solution could work. If it doesn't, I'll bite the bullet and I'll get some studs welded on.

William Gardner

______________________________

 

[Action]

The clip that holds the molding would have been plastic for your car.
Earlier models from the 1960's and old would have had a coated steel clip.

These come in various sizes and attachments over the years and different models.
Body shops may be a good source if you go that direction.

AMK would be another source with a minimum order.

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[michaelt62]

The clips are not plastic nor were there welded studs for the rocker panel molding on the Mark V, the only welded studs were on the body side molding and 1 on the side middle of the vinyl top trim. Because of the cavity running the entire length of the trim leaving less than 1/8" on the edges. I can't see adhesive working.


michaelt62

MY Cars: Custom Classics

 

[william.gardner2017]

Thanks for the correction, I use weld and rivet interchangeably without realizing it. For using adhesive, that is my current concern at the moment since the surface area given is not much (don't want this to fall off while driving). I might just bite the bullet and get those rivets.

Also, thanks guys for the recommendation to AMK as well as the molding documentation. With these resources, I'll see if I can do it myself.

William Gardner