Topic: Repro side seat moldings 65-67

[Hipo giddyup]

 I wanted to pose this question as well as to give readers a heads up.   I just purchased a pair of repro side seat moldings (hockey sticks) for my driver 66'. The first thing I noticed when I received them was how "dull" or satin finished they were. They are accurate looking and without scratches or dents of course, but they are indeed a duller finish than original. Previous repro seat trim that I have purchased was not like this and I have been told that one manufacture is making these for all other vendors (and they are not the previous vendor). So the question now is what could be used to polish out the aluminum trim? I have used a mild compound and small buffing wheel from Eastwood on my windshield moldings and they turned out fabulous, but then again they are stainless. I wanted to see if I am heading down the right path or if something else would work better?  Thanks for any input.

Bill

[196667Bob]

If they are just bare aluminum, possibly try a Gloss Clear Coat on a small area ? Just a thought.

Bob

[BKnapp]

I assume you are not as dumb as I am, but after having a TV for over a year, I was connecting some cables and noticed I never took the protective film around the bezel off. I did not even know it had it except for one small corner had lifted. It was on so well that no one ever noticed it was there - just a thought.

[196667Bob]

+1

Bob

[Hipo giddyup]

Good suggestions. I'll take a look to see if it has a film over it. However, I spoke to the guy from where i purchased it, he is very knowledgable, and he never mentioned it. I'll follow up with my findings.

[Hipo giddyup]

There was no film covering the aluminum.    I tried polishing it on the backside and made little headway. Thinking of returning them , they are VERY satin compared to originals. I guess you could have them polished but then your into a set of repro mouldings for $$$.  I'll try and post pics tonight.

[Bob Gaines]

There was no film covering the aluminum.    I tried polishing it on the backside and made little headway. Thinking of returning them , they are VERY satin compared to originals. I guess you could have them polished but then your into a set of repro mouldings for $$$.  I'll try and post pics tonight.

Anodized coating my explain why you didn't make any headway on the backside. Bare aluminum should take polishing with not much effort. If anodized you will not be able to polish until you strip the coating off first. It will take a lot of extra effort to strip and polish if you want them shinier.

[Hipo giddyup]

Good point.
 Attached are some pics. The first shows the original on the left in the second picture shows the original above the reproduction. You can clearly see that the original is much more brighter and reflective than the reproduction.

[Hipo giddyup]

Here are the pics..

[Bob Gaines]

Here are the pics..

Those look very dull relatively speaking. I have gotten repros before that looked as nice as genuine. It has been a while so I can't advise with confidence. NPD and Virginia are who I typically buy from . I don't waste time with the others. I know I have my best chance at quality repro stuff with ether of those two. both are contributors on this forum.  Brant at Virginia Mustang should have the low down on what is the best  available repro wise in the 65/66 world .