I have a '69 GS California - post coupe- I need to restore the aluminum trim that runs on top of the doors/quarters and around the window frames. Any ideas on the best way to accomplish this? Anyone have very nice used parts? Jim
It depends on what's wrong with yours. I had an old friend(let me reiterate 'old') that knew how to repair these old moldings. He did some stainless trim parts for me once. He used a piece of leather or chamois on a hard flat surface to act as a cushion and to avoid scratches. He tapped lightly on a flat blade screwdriver with a small hammer until he had worked out the dings. Then he filed and sanded with lighter and lighter sand paper until he got to a point where he could polish the molding with compound. You can get the proper polish and a wheel at Home Depot. It definately takes talent and experience to do it. Look for an old school rodder or shop, they should have this ability to do this.
The way I did it I polished a lot of Aluminum on my old Harley and I always used "Jewlers rouge, on a polishing wheel. I also fixed any dents with a "TACK" hammer that you can buy at any hardware store and a flat small tip punch, TAP LIGHTLY from behind starting from the edge of the dent and move towards the center switching from side to side of the dent. If you have a high spot then tap it back it as best as possible following the same as above method with out going below the surface. Then with a fine file ,file it down to the height of the rest of the trim and then sand it with lighter and lighter sandpaper until you can polish it out. Sounds harder then it is, JUST TAKE YOUR TIME! Good luck, Don
Jim, I have the same problem with the chrome trim on my '69 GS California. I've been considering doing exactly what is being discussed. I've heard of people doing this with great results, the key is to take your time and don't push too hard!
Hey Guys, I think the aluminum trim is anodized....filing, sanding, or too much polishing will remove that anodized top layer, and expose the bare aluminum. The repaired area will have a different look. You gotta have the whole thing re-anodized.....
How can I tell anodized vs. non-anodized aluminum just by looking at it? If it's not a simple visual thing, can I determine it with an ohm-meter?
I believe that you are talking about two different metals. The windshield and rear window garnish moldings are stainless steel and the belt reveal moldings, vinyl top and drip rail moldings are anodized aluminum.
The ones i`m talking about are where the sweepers attach to,not all cars had the big wide molding,In any case i need to find out where i can send them out to get them re-anodized. Thanks
Hi George, There is a place in town here that does anodizing. It may be a bit too much trouble for you to send but I will get the number for you if needed. Adam.
Hi George, The name of the company is Zincon Metal Finishing. the phone number is (613) 225-0078. I have no personal experience with them , but friends have had stuff done and it looked good. Adam.
Called,they are in Ottawa,they told me better off looking within thr U.S. to send them out to get re-done,does anyone know any places? Thanks
Hey George, Sorry It didn't work out for you. Ottawa is pretty small compared to NYC and the surrounding area, and there are three places in town that do this type of work, and more in Montreal , about 2 hrs east. Check for places that do powder coating etc, they seem to hang together. I can get you some more numbers if needed. Adam,
Hey no sweat Adam,if you have any other placed i can contact it`d be perfect,preferbly in the US if you know of any. Thank you
Make sure you get "Good" recommendations. I sent mine to McNicoles in Detroit for polishing and re-anodizing. They buffed out edge detail and wore a hole in it.
I wanted to bounce this back to the top rather than start another thread on it. I have the reveal moldings on my 69 and they need to be re-anodized. Does anyone know where we can get these done without destroying them?
