I have the typical pitted GS trunk trim pieces. And it doesn’t look like they make reproduction pieces. Is there any answers in regards to getting them reworked. Can you restore pot-metal? Thanks, Eric
Very interested in the topic. Similar to headlight doors but not as with the door you follow with paint I would think.
It can be restored. I was talking with a guy that does it. He said each pit has to be ground out by hand then filled , finished and then plated. Sounds expensive.
Can you fill and finish at home first and then send out. What is used to fill, some 3M or other metal filled epoxy I wonder?
Pot Metal restoration is very time consuming and expensive. Not all chrome shops will do pot metal. I have not heard of metal filled epoxy that can be used but will continue watching to see what others have to say. See below the process explained by a plating company. THE FIRST STAGE OF POLISHING/SANDING IS USUALLY A LIGHT POLISH WITH A DA OR SPECIALLY MADE HAND TOOLS TO REMOVE MINOR IMPERFECTIONS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT WE DO NOT GRIND DEEP PITS AS THIS WOULD DISTORT THE PART. DEEP PITS AND IMPERFECTIONS WILL BE FILLED AT A LATER STAGE IN THE COPPER PROCESS WITH COPPER PLATING OR LEAD SOLDER IF NECESSARY. AT THIS POINT THE PART IS READY TO BE PLATED WITH A CYANIDE COPPER BASE.
It is very expensive. Of the couple pieces I had done (not a trunk trim) I was told that they drill out by hand the pitting so that the bad metal is removed and then as Tony said above its filled and all this has to be hand worked to get flat again sort of like body work. I would assume its in the $450-$650 range for a pitted trunk trim.
Another solution is to find a nice Skylark version and cut the Buick off. I did it, and it was very difficult to notice even when you stared at it.
Slightly off topic...Does anyone know the hole diameters and location in from the trunk edge for the 69 GS truck trim that runs the length of the trunk lid? I need to add my trim to the Skylark replacement lid. Thanks for any help. Details on the trunk key cover hole locations for the GS badge would be great as well.
The cars already painted and is now to late to eliminate the trim pieces. Last resort would be to cut off the BUICK letters off a standard trim. I can probably help with some pictures of GS badge and trim holes - PM me later. I just sent both bumpers off to LKQ to have rechromed today. So...if anyone has any leads on a better set of trim pieces, please let me know. I’ve have about 3 months ‘til we start seeing decent weather and track down a nicer set. Or by some miracle, someone will start selling new reproductions? Yeah right???
