356 Body Side Molding

Took the leap and ordered a 356 Speedster from Beck. Need to make a decision on installing body side molding or not. I prefer the

You can always add moldings. You can't however, take them off easily.

FWIW, the moldings themselves are probably more fragile than the paint on the body. Since the body can't "ding", but the molding can- they don't really offer any protection to speak of.

Stan,

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the help.

Had the same thoughts. Didn't install. Very happy with decision.

Agreed, I rather not have mine so I could more easily go "outlaw" look.
So new paint is the only answer. They would never help you in a ding anyway, they're positioned wrong for any protection and besides, grocery carts always aim lower or higher anyway. I'd even leave off the lower trim if I had a choice. Notice the position from this angle.

Congratulations on your new Beck. Here is my new IM Roadster with no side moldings. Tom B's Beck Speedster has no moldings and looks very nice. I like it both ways depending on the car.

I think you're right Marty, depends on the car, but it always seemed to me they were an unnecessary add-on. Yours for instance looks outstanding without.

I skipped it as well, and don't regret the decision.

I'm upgrading Rich's "outstanding' superlative of Marty's ride to "Friggin' MAGNIFICENT!!"
Has anyone retrofitted bee hives(replaced teardrops)?

I dunno, Carl. I'm thinkin' Marty is gonna feel like his new car is far to civilized and - dare I say it - soft. Being the friend that I am I will then offer to trade even with him. Heck, I might even through in a couple of bucks.

Lane compared to my old VS, yes it's civilized but I would not go as far as saying soft. There is a still a mechanical feel to all the controls like the shifter and pedals. But it is a no brainer, I just start it (no gas)wait a few seconds and drive off into the sunset. When the sun goes down I flip the heater on and BOOM instant heat! Then if gets a little hot and I turn the air on:-) ok, maybe it's a little soft.

Just remember that I'm here for you, buddy.

Virtually no functionality with the side moldings on my VS. I think a hard stare could dent them. I may well lose them when I get it painted.

Carl: Re: retrofitting Beehives

Yes, it can be done by removing the teardrops and then applying new fiberglass and then body filler, locating where you want the bees to go, drill/bore the holes, then doing all the prep and then painting the car (because you can't just paint the rear end and ever expect that it's going to match).

If that sounds like a big deal, it is.

On top of that, if you really want to make you car look like an early '56 or a "Pre-A", then you have to change your gauge cluster to a two-gauge dash, which means re-glassing the dash to remove the three existing holes and installing two gauge holes. Otherwise, it's going to be an instant stand-out for all the purists out there, unless you make it into a decent Outlaw, and then you can do whatever you want.

Side trim is strictly cosmetic. In fact, it is so soft that the first time I tried to install it, I pressed the little plastic mounting thing right through it.

Also, with the bee hives the license lamp should be shine down.

I

I would recommend holding off on A/C too. These cars are most fun with the top down. Same with the radio. Useless in a Speedster.

Joe.
Take a look at the pictures I just posted under the General non-technical forum, "Opinions Please" That is an Outlaw.

A/C, I think not.

Troy,

I think I get it. Looks like no bottom door molding and no bumpers. I like the look.

thanks.

Joe, just in case you want to brush up on your "outlaw" vocabulary...http://www.emorymotorsports.com/

Rich-bullseye! Loved the Emory cars a long time. Here's a real outlaw...

I'm waiting for the day that someone shows up here with some wheel skirts on their Speedster...

I understand that Vince wears a skirt while driving his speedster...

It's not a skirt.

It's a Sarong.

In my opinion, the best-looking Outlaw on the East Coast had a mix of trim pieces. This little guy in the first picture, formerly owned by Mickey Donatello of Wilmington, De., was as minimalist as you might want for the track, but he street drove the car every day.

The car lives somewhere in Baltimore County now, I'm told. I have yet to see it here, though.

The second and third pictures are my rendition of an Outlaw. The use of the term has varying degrees of insanity attached; I went a touch overboard.

Did somebody say Skirts?
I think they look better on Women, (pic 1) although this pic of Cory in a skirt is somewhat priceless (pic 2)...
Oh, I guess this is my rendition of an outlaw, (pic 3) at least where speedsters are concerned, certinally a far cry from original...

Now that is outlaw!