Protecting your vehicle’s exterior shouldn't feel like a high-stakes engineering project. For decades, the industry standard for side molding involved drilling holes directly into the door panels to accommodate plastic clips. While effective at the factory, this old-school method is a recipe for long-term disaster, as typically results in rust.
Fortunately, modern adhesive technology has rendered this method unnecessary. And if you are looking to install replacement side molding on your older vehicle or square body, All-Fit Automotive is ready to help you achieve professional-grade protection and a matching OE look without damaging your car’s panels.
Drill-Free Installation
Traditional molding relies on clips that fit into pre-drilled holes in your body panels. They eventually become brittle and break, leaving you with dangling pieces of trim and an exposed hole in your door.
Sourcing and replacing these clips is difficult, to say the least, and you may end up having to drill new holes to align with the new clips, clip styles, or molding. If you are replacing your old, damaged molding, it’s a far better idea to use an adhesive-type DIY body side molding. Here's why drilling into a car body panel is never a good idea:
- Rust Prevention: Every hole drilled is an entry point for moisture and salt - and eventually, rust.
- Resale Value: Permanent modifications like drilling can decrease your vehicle's resale market value.
The Adhesive Body Side Molding Advantage
High-quality automotive trim and molding from All-Fit Automotive is more than just a strip of plastic. It's a durable door guard designed to withstand extreme temperatures and road environments. World-class 3M adhesives create a semi-permanent bond, ensuring the molding stays put until you decide otherwise.
- Easy, No-Drill Install: Simple to install right in your driveway, no special tools or mechanical expertise needed.
- Universal Fit: Works on almost any make or model and compatible with OE emblems.
- High-Quality Materials: Impact-resistant guards that absorb the energy of door dings or shopping carts.
- Durable, Long Lasting 3M Adhesive: Moldings stay put, thanks to authentic 3M automotive-grade tape, until you want to remove them.
- Original Factory Look and Finish: A sleek, OE-style finish that enhances your vehicle's silhouette.
- Affordable Alternative to Custom-Cut Kits: Custom-cut molding kits are costly and can require tools to install.
- Flexes and Shapes to Match Body Lines: Applying around curves, decals, and body lines is easy.
And what about the existing holes in your door panel? Well, the flush-fitting All-Fit Automotive molding can help prevent further corrosion and water ingress - just remember to clean the area thoroughly before application.
Where Should I Buy Replacement Body Moldings?
While there are several aftermarket suppliers who offer automotive body moldings, few can match All-Fit Automotive in quality and fit-and-finish. We offer high-quality replacement moldings that not only look OEM but are designed to provide superior protection and a simple installation method that requires no invasive drilling. They're also all made in the USA.
Once installed, an All-Fit side molding requires virtually zero maintenance. It acts as a sacrificial barrier, taking the hits that would otherwise cause unsightly car door dings. Because the product is flexible and rugged, it won't crack or fade like cheaper, generic alternatives.
How Much Do Body Moldings Cost?
Pricing for replacement body side moldings will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Check out the links below to find the most accurate pricing on our most popular body side moldings:
| Vehicle Fitment | All-Fit Body Molding |
| 1973–1987 Chevy / GMC | Square Body Side Molding |
| 1983–1990 Chevy / GMC / Toyota | Side Body Molding |
| 1988–1999 Chevy / GMC | Side Body Molding |
| 1987–1991 Ford F-Series | F150/250/350, Bronco Side Body Molding |
| 1992–1996 Ford F-Series | Side Body Molding |
| 1994–1997 Dodge Ram | 1500/2500/3500, BR/BE-Series Side Body Molding |
| 1999–2007 Silverado/Tahoe/CK | Side Body Molding |
| 2003–2009 Silverado/Tahoe | Side Body Molding |
Can I Install An All-Fit Automotive Body Molding Myself?
Most definitely. Installing no-drill body side molding is a straightforward process that can be completed in your driveway in under an hour.
1. Surface Preparation
The secret to a lasting bond is a surgically clean surface. Use a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water to remove all wax, grease, and road grime from the installation area. Proper surface preparation is 90% of the job; a clean door ensures the adhesive molding becomes a seamless part of your vehicle.
2. Alignment and Marking
Don't eyeball it. Use painter's tape to create a straight line across your doors. This acts as a guide to ensure your adhesive car door protector is perfectly level from front to back.
3. Application
Peel back a small section of the adhesive backing. Press the molding firmly against the door, following your tape line. Continue peeling and pressing until the strip is fully applied.
All-Fit Automotive Drill-Free Replacement Side Moldings
Since 2011, All-Fit Automotive has been designing and crafting top-quality auto accessories. Our high-end yet affordable universal install-in-your-driveway parts are made in the USA and require no professional tools to install. Check out our blog for hints, tips and more info.
Protect your vehicle from parking lot dings and rust damage with our range of body side moldings, and explore our full catalog of auto accessories, protective automotive trims and customization trims online. Contact us with any questions, and order today!
