'64 rocker restoration
Got a friend that's restoring his '64. He'd be fine with buying repro rockers but they don't seem to be avalible. His rockers are in pretty good shape, no dings, no big scratches but there's a bit of pitting. I guess that's the anodizing giving up. He asked me to reach out to see where he can get them restored. Any help would be appreciated for a reccomendation. If anyone has an idea of cost that would help. I understand that we shouldn't be promoting buisnesses so a PM is fine if appropriate. Thanks!
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Tom,
I've done that job for money and I can tell you there is a bundeen butch of labor involved. The pitting is likely Road Blast and removing all those rock dings is a nightmare.
I don't do this work anymore, but if your friend finds anyone, tell him to sit down before he hears the quote. And if the restoration shop is smart they will want to put their hands on the panels before they give a firm number. That means a two way shipping bill if you decide not to do it.
The process involves:
Anodize removal - chemical process done by anodize house.
Progresssive sanding to remove rock dings
Buffing
More sanding to remove newly found sanding scratches and/or smaller dings
More buffing, and then some more...
Bright dip anodise to finish it all off.
My advice is to start looking for a NOS set, the repops don't fit fer stink anyway.
tc -
Re: '64 rocker restoration
Tracy and Tom------
The part you're looking for is GM #3849594. It was discontinued without supercession in August, 1995. I would expect that if one were to find NOS examples almost 19 years after they were discontinued be prepared for a stiff price. But, I agree that restoring these to like new condition would be a nightmare and expensive.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Mid America here: http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette...-pair-622732-1 lists 64 reproductions. Are they out of stock? I'm not promoting them, and can't speak to fit or finish. JoeComment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Thanks for the info. I'll pass it along. In terms of cost, I've read in the archives that restorations get up near $500. Is that in the ball park or are thiose old numbers? Also, what are a set of NOS rockers worth?Comment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Suspect you will pay about the same money for either option and likely well north of $500Comment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
and that is why I would never have my car judged, rather enjoy but I do enjoy those that show their cars and have them judged and am glad they do for those of us that don't.Michael
70 Mulsanne Blue LT-1
03 Electron Blue Z06Comment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
I'm surprised that there doesn't seem to be anyone providing this service. I browsed the other forums and read that some polish, powdercoat them in clear and add the stripes. Anyone try this?I also looked in the archives and found a few names of panel restorers that may have done this work including , Dave Kosman, Norm Huie, Trim Restoration and Richard Fortier. Does anyone know if these people still do this or have had any experiences? Thanks!Comment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Easier money can be made than refinishing rocker panels. Labor of love. Sorta like refinishing valve covers with no $$$.
The term NOS rocker panels should be definied like we used to do in the old days with Hemmins. They are NOSR parts. Serice replacement.
I can't speak for 64 but do know a tad about the 63 NOS rocker moldings.
#1. They are not an exact replacement. When My 63 was judged at Marlborough the nice judge pointed out that the ends were not close to the assembly line ones.
#2. Expect to see various lengths of "NOS" ones. All over the board so to speak.
On my 63, the LWC I had two sets of NOS ones. No two molding were the same length. True story. JDComment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Tom
My '63 rockers were done by Norm Huie. I as pleased with his work.
Restoring rockers is very expensive. Mine were over $700.
Pm me if you want contact information
Good luckComment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
You might want to check out J. T. Piper. Ask for James at J.T.'s and he can quote doing rockers and 63 consoles. I have seen excellent work done by their plater! However the best work was done on pieces that were in great shape to begin with. Aluminum parts with pits are not worth the labor to repair.
JRComment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Tom,
You can remove the anodizing and do most of the work yourself. The final polishing and anodizing will need to be done by a plater. Some of this was discussed before, perhaps in the "similar threads" listed below. I believe that there was also discussion that the reproductions are thinner than the originals, but I don't remember which year that discussion was about.
PaulComment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
Tom, Just checked, have a set that I bought in late 80's for a 64 cp that had sidepipes that I wanted to remove. I then sold car without changing exhaust. Part # 3849594, grp 8.304, still in GM wrappers, (never opened). Gathering dust in rafters. Send me a PM if your friend might be interested. I am in western PA. Barry Holmes #940Comment
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Re: '64 rocker restoration
John,
If you have a set of NOS 63 rocker moldings, can you tell me the length? I have a set that measures 66" exactly.
ThanksComment
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