Stuff to line sharp sheet metal edges?

cosmobug · Post by **cosmobug** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:08 am

I have no idea what it is called, but I have seen it used in numerous custom applications to line the edges of a piece of cut sheet metal...plastic stuff that slips over the edge? Similar to the stuff you put on the edge of your car door to protect it, but obviously more flexible...what is it and where can I get it?

TIA!

Scott H · Post by **Scott H** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:40 am

It's called `edge trim'.
Trimlok makes about the best stuff:
http://trimlok.com/

McMaster-Carr sells it:
http://www.mcmaster.com

Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:46 am

Next time you're at the boneyard check the bug hulks - the ones with opening rear sidewindows have it around the opening. White through `69, black from `70-up as I recall. It may be too wide for a single thickness of sheetmetal without squeezing it together first, but if you fold ~¼" over on the edge it fits well.

cosmobug · Post by **cosmobug** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 5:46 pm

Thank you both!!!

Too bad there's not a VW salvage yard here anymore...Motorworks bought the only one a few years back, turned it into Reborn parts, then went out of business. No idea what happened to the massive number of parts...

There's a few scattered in the yards here...we'll see. I gotta check out that Trim-lok stuff too!

Brian Murray · Post by **Brian Murray** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 1:10 pm

local FLAPS have it too... the stuff to line the edges of car doors... RTV it on there or something similar, should work just fine.

cosmobug · Post by **cosmobug** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:34 pm

Thanks Brian...I thought of that stuff but I don't think it is flexible enough to make tight radius turns. ANyway, I think I found a local source for the Trim-lok stuff. Thanks!

Schmooey · Post by **Schmooey** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:14 pm

For really tight curves, the nylon stuff used for the same purpose in electronics assemblies is pretty good. I'm about to put it around my fresh air hoses in the rear tin.

VW Grommet · Post by **VW Grommet** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:15 pm

is that called "piping"? try a length of small rubber hose and slit it right down the middle with an x-acto knife, then you can fit it or glue it over any edge... I think this is what you mean...

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:34 pm

The good stuff...white-ish clear sold by mcmaster carr...and reputable plastics dealers...is generally UHMW. Silicone will rarely hold it on for long. The black stuff may be UHMW...if its very flexible. The stiffer stuff is generaly delrin. Silicone will hold that on. It sometines goes under the name of anti-wear edge stripping. There are many different kinds and prices. It would be rare to actually find nylon variety. Its also not for outdoor use as nylon 6/6 and 6/12 both absorb water and have no UV protection. They will start to crumble in short order. Also, ifyou are using it around the edge of engine tin...check on the heat range. Its rare to find any that is not graphite impregnated (that one is nylon...goes under the trade name nylatron)......that handles much over 200f. Ray

Hotrodvw · Post by **Hotrodvw** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:28 pm

I sell Trim-Lok at work......e-mail me if you need some.

[email protected]

MattKab · Post by **MattKab** » Mon May 09, 2005 2:46 pm

In the UK it's called 'grommet strip'