Author Topic: Cut Angle for Side Impact Strips  (Read 1808 times)

lowpad

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Cut Angle for Side Impact Strips
« on: January 25, 2021, 13:57:44 »
I have to replace some of the lower body rubber impact strips this winter as they are shrinking / drying out.  What is the correct cut angle?  Are they perpendicular, or are they at some angle (ie, 45 degrees)?  I've looked at a number of cars, but there seems to be no consistency. 

Many thanks!
1966 230SL (6/66 build)
French export
4-speed manual
158 Exterior / 040 Hardtop
2001 SLK230
1996 Porsche 993
1991 Acura NSX

114015

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Re: Cut Angle for Side Impact Strips
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2021, 19:44:13 »
Yes....,
they are particularily angulated and sometimes straight.
Alfred (66andblue) has posted a proper picture of those a while ago from  avery originla survivor car.
You may want to search the forum.
Achim
(Germany)

lowpad

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Re: Cut Angle for Side Impact Strips
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2021, 15:25:25 »
Thanks, Achim.  I've searched and can't find this post (maybe I'm not searching correctly).  Any other suggestions? 

Lowell
1966 230SL (6/66 build)
French export
4-speed manual
158 Exterior / 040 Hardtop
2001 SLK230
1996 Porsche 993
1991 Acura NSX

Shvegel

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Re: Cut Angle for Side Impact Strips
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2021, 23:40:52 »
Straight except for the front of the doors where they are angled at around 68 degrees.  If they catch the fenders they are not angled enough.

66andBlue

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Re: Cut Angle for Side Impact Strips
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2021, 04:15:44 »
Thanks, Achim.  I've searched and can't find this post (maybe I'm not searching correctly).  Any other suggestions? 
Lowell
Well, Achim has a better memory than I do.  :o
Took quite a bit of time to find that photo. It shows the strip on MotoringInvestments "Holy Grail" car.
The second photo shows the ends of old strips on my car.
On the angled end you kind of follow the contour of the chrome trim.
Keep in mind that these synthetic rubber/plastic strips shrink at low temperatures. So it is best to install when the weather is cold but on the hand they can be inserted easier if they are warmed up with a hair dryer.
After you cut them polish them a carefully on a polishing wheel; that is a trick Joe A. (ja17) showed me.
Hope this helps.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)