Rocker Molding Restoration

[Chris F.]

I have had my Rocker Moldings restored to original finish with them being re-anodized and am pleased with the result, the bank account suffered though.
I asked for the insert not to be painted as I wanted to do this myself.
According to the Judging Guide it states flat back. Would I take this to mean matt black or the type of GMH chassis black paint please.
Also would the channel be painted on the side walls as well as the bottom.
Thanking you for advice.

[Bill C.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

Chris,

I did mine with semi-flat black.
used Krylon.

[Greg H.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

Chris,

I can't say for sure, but I just acquired a set of originals which I fit to my car as is, but had to paint one side as the paint was partially stripped. The lower side wall is insignificant as the wall is so small. I taped up to the edge and sprayed. On the deep side the original paint was spotty or partial coverage. Looked like over spray. So I left that by taping over the entire deep side and painted only the bottom of the channel an the lower shallow edge. I used the chassis black I've been using most everywhere else to touch up the black. I'll know in September if I did it right but it looks very close to the other side which i did not paint. A bit "newer" but nothing some road miles won't cure.

I hope this helps.
Greg

[Rick A.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

Chris,

who did your rocker re-anodizing

[Chris F.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

To answer you question Rick I had them done down under in Australia. It proved to be a very costly exercise as there was a scrape along one and I sent it to an old time panel beater. Dont know how he got it out but it looked perfect.
I then sent them to a shop for polishing and re-anodizing. Found there was one place only in Australia who could reapir that size part.
The cost though just for polishing and re-anodizing was US$600.
That's why I want to make sure I use the correct black paint and apply it properly.

[Jack H.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

Ah, we hear once again from the MAN at the southern tip of the world in Tasmania!!!

I'd suggest using SEM self-etchant primer in black, Chris. It's about as close as you're going to get to the factory original shade. But, more importantly, it's a self-etching paint!

That means it'll etch itself into the surface as it dries and sets up. I've seen more than one Corvette restoration where ordinary paint was used to accent shinny/slippery surfaces (wheel covers, 1963 'cookie sheet' hood grilles, Etc.). It looked GREAT on the judging field but peeled/flaked away when the car when through a washing exercise!!!

The paint I'm talking about is used in myraid applications today for blacking out exterior trim components like windshield wiper arms/blades, radio antenna masts, overhead luggage racks... Ask the automotive paint guys around Hobart using that description and I think you'll QUICKLY find an Aussie/local 'clone' product that'll get the job done for ya!

Stateside, the paint is readily available (Eastwood catalog, automotive paint distributors) and it comes in 12-16 ounce 'rattle can' packaging. It's more expensive than standard paint though, running somewhere in the $12-15/can range...

[Bob D.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

Rick

I had a place in California do my 1971 racker moldings. They were scratched and had a small dent. They did excellent work, but they were not cheap. Email if you would like the name. To prevent damage to them I used a piece of PVC pipe for mailing.

Bob

[Gary Z.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

Could you tell me who did the re-anodizing? I am looking for a recommendation on someone who is doing an excellent job.

[Don L.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

I second Jack's recommendation of SEM self-etching primer/paint for the black trim. This paint is the BEST paint I've EVER used for ANYTHING! Lots of blue tape to mask the anodized area off.

Richard Fortier did my strip/buff/re-anodize. They turned out great, including the screws and tabs.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

Note this previous thread on re-anodizing:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...=sill&uid=4272

[Tom D.]

Re: Rocker Molding Restoration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing

Good Summary of the process. /td