Installing smile on 83SC

[hotaru]

Need help
1983 SC cabrio.
I have ordered new smile seal for front bumper and can not installed it.
The screw holes do not align - about 1 cm short on one side. (center screw hole are ok)
I can move it a little to left or right but always short on one side.
Is there a trick to put it on?
Part number is the same as original but material seems a lot harder than original rubber.
Thanks,
stan

[billybek]

They are a pain to install. After getting up off the garage floor and back down about 1000 times, I bought a scissor lift.
I installed an original used OEM smile and all fitted up.
What does the old look like when comparing it to the new back to back?

[hotaru]

They look almost same but seems like the new one is made from much stiffer material - almost like plastic/very hard rubber.
Can not really measure because old smile is warped and all metal supports inside has been completely rusted and fell out.

I was thinking to use heat gun to warm up/soften new seal - but I dont think I can stretch it because of the metal support inside the seal.

stan

[ROW911SC]

I just installed a new original smile trim without too many issues; are the holes off or could it be the speed nuts? Make sure you pry them open a bit so they can slide in place to line up with the screws. Also, try catching one end and then the opposite side and work your way to the center. And yes, a heat gun will help quite a bit!

[hotaru]

Anyone knows if the metal reinforcement is a solid piece from end to end?
Or is it few pieces?
Thinking where would be best to apply some heat and try to stretch it.
( dont want to bend it to find out )