Factory chrome trim (updated 12/22)

[bigalvb]

Hello all! Enjoying pre-winter yet?

The PO shaved the beltline chrome trim off my 70 and the piece on the hood. I am considering how much effort it would be to get these reinstalled. I would have to buy new trim.

Drill holes I am assuming. Then clips to put the trim on?

And the big question: would it be worth it? I really want more chrome to return it to a more stock-looking appearance. But as far as work involved to make it happen; doable?

I'll have to ck prices in the magazines for the trim.

[Dustin]

Trim and clips can be had pretty cheap. Drilling holes would be easy to do but you have to do it right or you may flake paint off. If the PO did it with bondo it will be easy otherwise I would just leave it be.

Actually with as nice as your car is I would just leave it alone unless you want a new paint job.

[bren]

Personally, I would leave it too.
Before you drill you would need to look inside to see how the filled the holes. Could be bondo, could be welded. Like Dustin said it would be a delicate operation if trying to protect the paint.

[Ruffuss]

Dec 9, 2009 21:42:19 GMT -5 bren said:

Personally, I would leave it too.
Before you drill you would need to look inside to see how the filled the holes. Could be bondo, could be welded. Like Dustin said it would be a delicate operation if trying to protect the paint.

Especially if the orginal chrome trim is the newer thin trim which I believe a 70 is??. The only way I know not to scratch the paint, would be drill through painters tape with a sharp bit at a fast speed and light presure. Just my 2 cents. Kenn

[bigalvb]

OK, guys, thanks for the input. I'll leave it as is and think about other projects.
Anybody have a lowered beam that'll fit?

[Dustin]

Well now your going to have to think about a narrowed beam to lower, I don't remember if you have disc brakes or not but even if you plan on adding them at some point they will slightly widen the front track, I think its about a 1/2" also running the 8 spoke rims you have 5.5" wide rims versus the 4.5" stockies. So I would look for a 2" or sometimes you can find a 3" narrowed beam and some dropped spindles.

[bigalvb]

OK, forget replacing the chrome molding.
What about the rubber seals around the front and back windows that have chrome molding. How hard is that to do; ie, anyone in the club capable of helping to do that? That would go a long way in returning the stock look, doesn't seem like the seals would be too expensive.

[bigalvb]

Oh, as far as a narrowed front beam go; does anyone locally have anything like this?
I see CIP1 has a GREAT deal on the BRM-style wheels (under $90 a piece!) and I REALLY like the looks of those. Not sure if I should pull the trigger or not, even if I set them aside for a while while I gather all the other necessary parts to do the job right...

[akitsuji]

Dec 22, 2009 9:56:40 GMT -5 bigalvb said:

OK, forget replacing the chrome molding.
What about the rubber seals around the front and back windows that have chrome molding. How hard is that to do; ie, anyone in the club capable of helping to do that? That would go a long way in returning the stock look, doesn't seem like the seals would be too expensive.

I did on all my 77 bus windows. Installing chrome moldings is not difficult. I used cheap glass cleaner as lubricant, I posted my photos on the members project. I recommend to access the Samba forum.
I believe that many club members will assist you if timing is right.