Who is well versed in metal polishing and repair

[Scott Marzahl]

I bought a used lower windshield trim piece from a vendor and it looked great. However, upon closer inspection it appears it was removed without a tool and it is ever so slightly bent at each side of where the mounting clips made contact. I would imagine that once polished it would look like a washboard.

The vendor is trying to make it right with me and is offering another trim piece, however it does have a slight nick roughly 1/16" on the top edge about 2 inches from the drivers end.

Can the washboard piece be straightened out, I imagine it to be a difficult job due to the "T" shape configuration of the trim, maybe not. As far a nick goes, does that just remain in place and is feathered out? I have a photo of the nick'd piece if anyone wants to comment on it I can email it.

I'm looking for comments if I should accept one or the other or neither.

Thanks,
Scott

[Jean C.]

Re: Who is well versed in metal polishing and repa

Scott, I have seen a significant crease in a piece of stainless steek trim be removed using a hammer, a flat-end round punch and a file then polished after which the original crease was undetectable. This was demonstrated at one of our Tech Sessions. I am not familar with the config of the piece you want to repair and I presume it is stainless, but with a bit of practice I imagine you can get it right.
Best regards,
Charlie

[Mike McKown]

I couldn't do it for a living but,

A simple knick would be much easier to fix than something bent and especially something warped. The difficulty of the repair would depend greatly on the particular damage and the skill level of the repairman.

A word to the wise.......... Some people are wizards with metal finish and others can work their tails off and the part will still look like somebody ran a chainsaw across it.

If you have the skill or know someone who does, a lightly damaged part should be of no particular concern.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Who is well versed in metal polishing and repa

I've done this for money, but not interested in taking it on. Send me a pic and I can tell you if the nick can be removed. Show me both sides close and clear pics.

The trick is to me able to get to the backside well enough to hammer it back into shape using a shaped punch.

tc

[Don Izzo]

Re: Who is well versed in metal polishing and repa

Scott, I have found that there are planty of these mouldings around in excellent, ready to install condition. I bought my car in a basket with a truckload of NOS parts. Didn't do a proper inventory of the parts so I overlooked the NOS lower moulding. I bought one from Grossmuellers that was excellent for $350. then sold the NOS for $450.

There are lots of shops that specialize in repairing and polishing stainless trim parts. I have used a few with great results. I personally wouldn't attempt it myself, These parts are to valuable to screw up! My 2 cents. Good luck!
Don

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Who is well versed in metal polishing and repa

Thanks Tracy,
I really appreciate the help. You should have mail, if not, email me directly at Marzahl@hughes.net and I'll send you a couple pics to look at.

Scott

[Scott Marzahl]

Tracy, I posted the pics I have here

Since I'll be in and out, I thought the easiest way to solicit comments was to post them on this site rather than deal with email, you should be able to view them here.

http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1162896

Thanks,
Scott

[Tracy C.]

Re: Tracy, I posted the pics I have here

Scott,

Doubt if this can even be completely removed. Without a pic from the back side it's hard to tell if the material can be pushed back out. My recollection of the crimped over edge is that it's not too likely.

The good news is that it could be made to be must less noticable and after it's on the car a couple of weeks you will likely forget all about it.

If you are buying the part, I wouldn't pay more than $100. It will need to be worked, buffed and flash chromed before installation.

As mentioned, there are alot of they out there. Only the eariler 63's had a slightly different configuation. Late 63 - 67 are the same.

tc