Abstract: An improved fastening arrangement provides for easy and quick attachment of a convertible top boot to a vehicle body. A plurality of plastic J-section fastener strips each have a forwardly extending planar pad portion, an intermediate arcuate resilient web portion, and a rearwardly extending hook-shaped portion. The pad portion is adapted for flush mounting to the underside of a boot backing panel by a plurality of rivets. The hook-shaped portion free edge is formed with an enlarged locking bead coextensive therewith. A retainer member, mounted on the body upper deck aft of the storage well, provides a transversely extending upwardly opening lead-in gap and subjacent enlarged furrow. The bead is adapted for releasable engagement in a self-seeking manner in undercut fittable retainer groove of the furrow upon snap-action passage through the lead-in gap that is hidden from view by the overlying boot.

Abstract: A clip mounting structure is provided which is attachable to a vehicle body without use of fixtures. This is done by initially providing the mounting structure with spacer tabs. The spacer tabs are positioned with respect to an available reference location, such as another previously mounted molding or panel. The tabs are break-away structures and are removed after the mounting structure is secured in place. The clip mounting structure is then used to secure a molding in place.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for developing a point on one end of a vehicle molding which is initially fabricated as an extruded member of a resinous material of a first color with a uniform transverse cross-section. A longitudinal extending layer of a second color is adhered to a portion of the exterior surface leaving a second longitudinal portion of the exterior surface of the first color. The pointed end is provided by first cutting a wedge shaped section out of one end of the molding, pressing the ends of the molding together in an injection mold and then reforming the end of the molding in the desired pointed configuration by the injection of liquid resinous material into the mold.

Abstract: An applique structure for the external B pillar areas of a four door vehicle is provided. The vehicle structure is one wherein the pair of doors on each side are hingedly mounted at the forward edges and wherein the B pillar areas are defined by the upper door edges. The appliques are adhered to the B pillar area and form a double seal at the juncture therebetween. Additional seals are provided around the periphery of the appliques.

Abstract: A preformed ornamental cap of the type commonly referred to as a vinyl roof is provided for mounting on the roof of a vehicle. The cap, which has a top wall, side walls and a rear wall, is fixedly mounted to the vehicle in the areas of the top top and side walls. The rear wall of the cap is provided with tongues which engage U-shaped spring clips on the vehicle body for securement of the cap rear wall to the vehicle.