Pillar trim alternative

como · 08-16-2009, 06:13 PM

Well, like so many others my mk1 c-pillar trim is damaged beyond repair.

Since it's so darn hard to find, I think what I'd like to do is find my way around having it. And since I'm starting prep work for a full paintjob this week, my options are wide open.

My first thought was to slice off the metal that it bolts to on either side of the car, close up the gap, if any, with a MIG, then grind it flat. Fill in the holes across the top with the mig, as well, and maybe run a bead to smooth the contours out a bit... the rest could be done with some light bondo or fiberglass work.

However, it's entirely possible that these metal spines are considered structural, even if only slightly... Unfortunately I don't have a pic, but anyone who has removed the trim on an aw11 knows what I'm referring to. (I'll get a pick up at some point soon)

Thoughts? Or better yet, has anyone done this?

stu4u3 · 09-04-2009, 09:06 AM

If you get lucky, you can locate them at a wreckers yard. Also, search the "for sale" forum on this site since people part out non running mk1s. eBay is also a good resource.

Finally, put a want add on this site and possibly in several areas/cities on craigslist. They are relatively easy to ship so a nationwide search is beneficial.

The bolts will most likely be broken but you can get a repair kit from Xbox.ca for ~ $5. I'm not sure how well the repair kit works, but it's worth a try versus fabricating your own.

como · 09-04-2009, 11:37 PM

I actually came across someone a few states over with mint c-pillar, and it came in the other day (alongside a new glovebox cover, mine had a huge crack)

Still curious what I could have fabbed, though.

08-16-2009, 06:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Pillar trim alternative Well, like so many others my mk1 c-pillar trim is damaged beyond repair. Since it's so darn hard to find, I think what I'd like to do is find my way around having it. And since I'm starting prep work for a full paintjob this week, my options are wide open. My first thought was to slice off the metal that it bolts to on either side of the car, close up the gap, if any, with a MIG, then grind it flat. Fill in the holes across the top with the mig, as well, and maybe run a bead to smooth the contours out a bit... the rest could be done with some light bondo or fiberglass work. However, it's entirely possible that these metal spines are considered structural, even if only slightly... Unfortunately I don't have a pic, but anyone who has removed the trim on an aw11 knows what I'm referring to. (I'll get a pick up at some point soon) Thoughts? Or better yet, has anyone done this?

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09-04-2009, 09:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
stu4u3 Fixing up a 1989 MR2 MK1 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Posts: 351 Thanks: 14 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	If you get lucky, you can locate them at a wreckers yard. Also, search the "for sale" forum on this site since people part out non running mk1s. eBay is also a good resource. Finally, put a want add on this site and possibly in several areas/cities on craigslist. They are relatively easy to ship so a nationwide search is beneficial. The bolts will most likely be broken but you can get a repair kit from Xbox.ca for ~ $5. I'm not sure how well the repair kit works, but it's worth a try versus fabricating your own.

09-04-2009, 11:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	I actually came across someone a few states over with mint c-pillar, and it came in the other day (alongside a new glovebox cover, mine had a huge crack) Still curious what I could have fabbed, though.