Lower Side Chrome Trim

by Medic1811 Thu 2 Nov 2017 - 19:23

I am looking for the chrome trim that runs from the back of the front wheel to the front of the back wheel on both sides. This trim sits at the base of the fender, door and quarter panel. Does anyone know where I might find a set of those?

Thanks

by Mcarlo77 Fri 3 Nov 2017 - 9:54

Very difficult to find undamaged. Be advised that the pieces that goes in front of the rear wheels is different between El Caminos and Chevelles/Malibus (saw your post on another old thread).

by pila Fri 3 Nov 2017 - 14:02

They are anodized aluminum buy the way, and not chromed. Ebay would be a place to look. Sometimes we have to buy trim pieces one at a time ! Smile

by bigredlaguna Fri 3 Nov 2017 - 20:34

What is the going rate for these things, anyway? Last time I heard a price, it was over a thousand dollars for a complete set.

by Mcarlo77 Fri 3 Nov 2017 - 22:52

NOS or used?

I've never found a complete set worth dragging home from the yards. Maybe a piece here and there...but, nearly all show serious road rash, scratches and dents. Plus, I don't remember the last time I saw more than one or two NOS pcs on e-Bay.

These are pretty typical of what I'm describing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-Chevelle-Laguna-door-moldings-right-and-left-and-plastic-mounting-clips/112415224132?fits=Year%3A1973%7CModel%3AChevelle&hash=item1a2c783144:g:kTcAAOSwopRYmpbg&vxp=mtr

And, what do you know...here's a NOS RH door molding:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-77-CHEVELLE-MALIBU-DOOR-MOLDING-NEW-GM-NOS-8707757/361931605776?fits=Year%3A1973%7CModel%3AChevelle&epid=657747139&hash=item5444ce0710:g:rEcAAOSwdGFYqSjD&vxp=mtr

by bigredlaguna Fri 3 Nov 2017 - 23:38

Because I have a complete set NOS never installed and most if not all the clips.

by Mcarlo77 Sat 4 Nov 2017 - 8:37

I couldn't even venture a guess as you've got something very rare in the way of a complete set. I seriously doubt a person could even find more than a couple NOS pcs anymore to put together a set. Even if they were able, it would take years of searching. It's the same with Monte moldings. I've managed to assemble a complete set (10 separate moldings vs. 6 on Chevelles/Malibus) over the years...but, it was find one here, find one there, etc. Now, most have become all but extinct, also.

You know the saying..."they are worth whatever someone is willing to pay".

by pila Sat 4 Nov 2017 - 23:11

Removed those on my '74 Malibu when I painted it. Don't want'em on there now ! I kinda wondered if they could be chrome plated (?) I would think that it would be a way to deal with the old anodizing that gets bad over the years, and they would look even better than new parts..

by Dinomyte Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 6:53

The last set I saw on ebay went for over $1200. Years ago. Too rich for my blood.

I too have been collecting pieces here and there, working on a way to cut and bend the El Camino rear fender piece to fit on the 2-door model. I looked at getting a couple of pieces I had that were intact chromed, and the answer was they are too thin and wouldn't work. I can't remember all the details of the conversation but it boiled down to keep looking for more pieces that are in good shape. I've collected 3 sets and still don't have a complete set that will be going on the car.

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 8:54

You can restore this pieces fairly easily if they are straight. You can remove the anodizing by spraying heavy duty oven cleaner on them and let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then wipe it off with clean water. Or you can order anodize remover from companies like Eastwood. It works well. Then sand any scratches out with 1000 grit sandpaper. Work up to 1500 grit, then 2000 and polish with a white rouge compound on a buffing wheel and you'll have a near chrome finish.

by Mcarlo77 Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 9:10

I did that on a couple of the short fender pcs and it takes a lot of elbow grease to get the road rash, pits and scratches out. I had a long lower door trim at the time and just couldn't motivate myself to tackle that one after working the fender pcs. As I understand it, the aluminum will eventually oxidize and will require periodic polishing to maintain the shine?

by Dinomyte Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 10:05

g3chevy and Mcarlo77 that sounds good. I'd heard Coke would work to clean them too.

I was wondering if any sort of clear coat after you're done would be a good choice?

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 10:28

Yes, you can top coat them with a clear to preserve the finish long term. Otherwise you will have to periodically polish them to keep them shiny. Don't know about using coke to remove the anodize coating. It may be worth a try since its capable of cleaning battery posts and toilets lol.

by pila Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 11:12

Aluminum is a whole different animal than steel, when it comes to making paint stick. I've been an aircraft mechanic & inspector for over 50 years, and have been there when dealing with painting aluminum. There is what's called a "conversion coating" called Alodine, which is designed to protect & make paint stick to aluminum. Two colors I've used are clear, and a sort of brassy/tan color, like a new carb has. I haven't attempted any use of it on auto moldings yet..

by Limey SE Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 18:31

I have a complete Set was debating replacing the ones On the SE BUT do not want to drill new holes for the rear Chrome pieces...... Brand New 1/4's dont like new holes LOL

by 77camino Mon 6 Nov 2017 - 18:43

I emailed this guy on eBay awhile back about refinishing a set of my top of the bed trim. He quoted me $150. I thought that was a good price. If you had an old set, this might be a good idea to have them refinished.

https://www.ebay.com/i/302506500492

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