1966 body side mouldings

[qsanford]

There is a discussion going on Facebook about the difference between a '66 Commander and a '66 Cruiser. It was brought up that the body side mouldings are wider on the Cruiser than the Commander. There is disagreement about whether or not that is the case. I think it is correct. What do you all think?

[8E45E]

The Cruiser and Daytona mouldings are wider.





Craig

[StudeRich]

What are they 1/32 Inch wider? They sure did not get their Money's worth out of that upgrade!
Not a cost effective change at all.

I would have sworn they were identical, no improvement there or Model Identity like the usual trim upgrade, like on '64 and '65's.

[8E45E]

What are they 1/32 Inch wider?

They are quite a bit wider than that!!

Craig

[StudeRich]

They are quite a bit wider than that!!Craig

You are right, I can see that now, I was typing my Post while you were putting the pics up.
They are about 1/8" Wider and deeper but no improvement in looks at all.

[Warren Webb]

When they were new I didn't really care for them & the reason about them giving the sides more protection was empty in my book. Now I have 2 66's & like them for other reasons but still prefer the molding's on the 64/65's much better.

[qsanford]

Those pics make the difference very clear! Another example of the SDC forum being more accurate than Facebook!

[StudeDave57]

Interesting topic.
When pictures provide the proof, there's not much else to say.
But I just did- in the place where this all started.
Sorry for doubting you Dustin.




StudeDave '57

[Bill Pressler]

I've always liked the rarity of the '66's, and the louvered vents in back, but really, I think the '64 and '65 styling and wheelcovers were better. Just MHO.

The only exterior differences I could remember between Commander and Cruiser in '66 were that the Cruiser had the bright-metal window frame moldings and the horizontal "C" pillar molding. I never noticed the difference in body side moldings--and understandable, giving how little they are different!

I was pretty amazed to read Andy Beckman's column in the latest TW that said that that Commanders were shipped with '64-65 wheelcovers standard, near the end of the '66 run. Someone at the last South Bend international meet had a '66 Daytona Sports Sedan, Niagara Blue Mist, nearly identical to mine but with the '64-65 wheelcovers. He actually showed me that this was mentioned on the production order!

[2R5]

I've always liked the rarity of the '66's, and the louvered vents in back, but really, I think the '64 and '65 styling and wheelcovers were better. Just MHO.

The only exterior differences I could remember between Commander and Cruiser in '66 were that the Cruiser had the bright-metal window frame moldings and the horizontal "C" pillar molding. I never noticed the difference in body side moldings--and understandable, giving how little they are different!

I was pretty amazed to read Andy Beckman's column in the latest TW that said that that Commanders were shipped with '64-65 wheelcovers standard, near the end of the '66 run. Someone at the last South Bend international meet had a '66 Daytona Sports Sedan, Niagara Blue Mist, nearly identical to mine but with the '64-65 wheelcovers. He actually showed me that this was mentioned on the production order!

Bill I know the car you have mentioned, but the difference there was that Daytona was ordered like that not sent out from Studebaker like that

[COMMANDERPINK1]

Maybe a fraction larger or smaller but still basic same design.

[studegary]

Maybe a fraction larger or smaller but still basic same design.

I was thinking that the Daytona/Cruiser trim was not only slightly wider, but also deeper/thicker which provided more protection for the side of the car than the trim on a Commander.

[63t-cab]

I favor the 64 side trim, more petite and I like the longer more pointed ends better. I once put a 64 front clip on a 63 Wagonair,and then put 64 Commander side trim on for a nice clean look.

[stude dude]

The 1966 Cruiser/Daytona side trim is actually very close in width and profile to the plainer 1955 sedan model mouldings (non-butterknife). I know that sounds silly but when I was sorting though some stainless trim recently I had to put them side by side to pick the difference. Also, the narrow '66 Commander/Wagonaire moulding clips are not the same as those used on 1964-65 Commanders.

Chris.