I am having trouble re-attaching the front bed trim on my '72 El Camino. This is the piece that mounts to the body about 2" below the rear window. I am using the OEM nylon clips, but can't figure out how to engage the chrome trim piece with the clips. They don't just "snap" over the edge of the clips. Any tips on how to do this is very much appreciated.

 

Hello, I had the same issue on my 79.
I found to look at the end of the chrome piece your installing for the pattern shape. Match the shape with the clip. Now you know how the clip sits on the bed rail. Position the clips in their cutout locations on the bed rail. Push them down so they will stay in place. Tuck the chrome rail into the matching trim piece. Lay the chrome into place over all the clips, it helps to have someone help so it won’t fall off, once it’s in position push it down from front to back a little at a time going front to back a couple times till it’s all the way down over the clips. Finally smack the rail on top with the palm of your hand or a rubber hammer or similar. Don’t hit it too hard or it will leave a small dent on top of the rail above the clip inside, ask me how I know. Hopefully you will have marked the clip locations with tape so you know exactly where to hit it down. Finally push it down over the aft end of trim near The tailgate. You might need a small screwdriver or plastic punch on the inside edge to pop it into place. That’s it. I fought it too until this process worked. Marty

 

Those are for the side rails, and those are easy. I'm talking about the "front" rail. These are the mounting clips. The edges marked in yellow are supposed to engage the metal trim rail, but I cannot get them to do so.

 

Sorry. I didn’t have to change that piece. Did you try installing the clips into the trim and aligning the bed pins into the keyholes in the clips and pushing it to lock? Sorry if this is a lame answer. That’s all I can guess looking at your clips. Good luck with your install.