C3 Splash shields

[Tom L.]

This past August I picked up a pair of splash sheilds (The ones behinde the wheels, not the ones at the foot area). One was in nice shape, no rust and black in color, the surface was not smooth, but where scratches were there were signs of green. Is this the correst finsh?

The other one was a bit rusted, mostly surface rust, and the only suface that showed any paint was black and smooth with no signs of green.

So what should the finish be for a '72??? Thanks!!

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

This past August I picked up a pair of splash sheilds (The ones behinde the wheels, not the ones at the foot area). One was in nice shape, no rust and black in color, the surface was not smooth, but where scratches were there were signs of green. Is this the correst finsh?

The other one was a bit rusted, mostly surface rust, and the only suface that showed any paint was black and smooth with no signs of green.

So what should the finish be for a '72??? Thanks!!

Black - I would expect the dipped process. Those who study these more than I might even be able to tell you which hole they were hung from -- which direction the drips run. I would expect the one with green paint on it came from a green car that Bubba painted.

[Michael D.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Is the green under the black? If so, the green could be zinc chromate primer.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Yes, the green is under the black and the paint does not look lioke it was dipped, the black looks like it was sprayed. I scratched some of the black off to makle sure the green was under the black and that's what I found. The green color is similar to the zinc chromate used on the birdcage.

Poor Bubba, he gets blamed for everything...

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Hi Tom,
If your shields came with the rubber seals still stapled to them you might try to re-use them.
The seals that are being sold currently have quite a different profile to the seal.
If you're careful removing the staples you can re-use them and push them back through the same holes in the seals, and set them by hand.
Regards,
Alan

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Alan, the finish that's remaining on one of the shields, right side, appears like the one you posted. The other has a textured appearence and feel. I'll take a pic later and put it up.

I'm aware of the differences in the profile of the seals. Unfortunately on the pair of sheilds I bought one didn't have the seal and the other is trashed. Any hints on making the repro staples curved like the originals?? My guess is that they used a very heavy duty stapler to put them in to begin with. I checked my tool box, no heavy duty stapler. Thanks!

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Hi Tom,
You're right, that must have been a pretty serious piece of equipment to drive the staples through the shield.
I have had success using a set of needle nose pliers that modelers use to shape music wire into staples that appear like they were set by that stapler.
The staples used on the core-support to valance rubber flap, on the base motor steel fan shroud's u-shaped rubber seal, and these 2 shields appear to be all the same. I had quite a few good originals to use as a pattern to make those few I needed.
I set them using various pliers, and, (ARE YOU READY!), place a round tooth pick in position so when I set the staple's curved leg I don't end up flattening the curve in the staple's leg.
Regards,
Alan

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Thanks Alan. I took a few pics of what I have but only one shows the texture and a little of the green I described, it is seen in the scratches. I'm going to glass bead the peices today and get ready to paint them since it seems they were probably dipped and what I see may have been done by someone else.


One other question, I have no holes in my fendrs or inner fenders because I found out that they needed to be replaced on both sides along with the surround when I got the car painted. The thing was a mess, in hind sight I probably should have bought a different car but that ship has sailed. Anyway, I laid the sheilds in place to see where I'd have to drill holes. Turns out that they don't fit in too well. If I align them with the fender they don't align with the lip on the inner fender, If I align them with the inner fender they don't align with the fender. Is this typical or is this a body shop problem. Oh, the mis-alignment is the same on both sides. Thanks!

IMG_0374.jpg

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Hi Tom,
The texture of the paint on the shield in your picture isn't what I'd expect to see on the shields. I'd expect there to be very little or no orange peel.
I found the shape of the shields generally followed the shape of the frame, apron, and fender quite well; but they were certainly not a precise fit.
The shields could be slipped in place and the bolts started and tightened without any real issues.
Here's a few pictures
1 of the right side from above and 1 from below, and 2 of the left side from below.
If you need to see something else let me know and I'd be happy to try to capture it.
Regards,
Alan

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Splash shields

Based on what I see in your pics and under my car I can only think that the inner fender was not properly placed when bonded to the fender, oddly they are off the same on both sides. Guess they did measure but perhaps incorrectly. I guess they'll get put on with three bolts or I'll have to use a spacer for the fourth.

I did bead the guards Saturday. Turns out that the finish is a result of surface rust and then a re-paint at some point, the texture was in the metal not the paint. The green I mentioned was probably primer that was put on before painted black. As I beaded them it was obvious that the green was a different layer. Thanks for the help!!