62 restoring questions

[Ron Cwiklinski]

A few questions that have been bothering me and my restoration.
The headlight trim piece extensions for the 61 & 62 do they stick up in the area that meets the top fender moulding? Majority of the cars I have observed have poor fitting in that area and I'm at the stage where I can make it fit better but don't want to over restore.
The jack handle clip was it in place for trunk paint?
Need some help and/or advice on restoring the door strikers and the cove grill inserts. I believe the inserts were bright anodized, if someone would confirm I'll have them stripped, polished and then bright anodized.
Thanks in advance.

[Mike M.]

Re: 62 restoring questions

poor fit of headlite bezel extensions very common although they fit much beter originally. i believe the service replacements are the problem. i gently bend the pot-metal headlite bezels to bring the extension down closer to the stainless trim on top the fender. you can also bend the tips of the stainless trim in such a way as to get its peak closer to the extension. be cautious when bending the bezels. a better fit is possible if you take the time to modify the bezel and stainless top trim. mike

[Mike E.]

Re: 62 restoring questions

Ronh--
Mike is right---originals fit much better than GM replacements. To make them fit better than most would not be over-restoration.
Trunk jack handle clip and rivet were in place when body paint was done.

[Clare Carpenter]

Re: 62 restoring questions

Joe Calgagno did an article for the Restorer on a simple fix for adjusting the fit between the fender molding and pot metal extension on the headlight bezel. Not sure the date but it's on the CD. I believe a small plastic shim was recommended between the fender molding and body to raise it up some.