Topic: Drip Rail Molding

[dlsimon212]

My boss is doing a slight restoration of a 65 coupe he purchased,,, the car was painted,,, he then ordered drip rail moldings from CJ Pony. When we pulled them out of the package,, from the git-go we knew we were in trouble, because their basic shape was off by quite a bit (way wider at the ends) so of course all they wanted to do was kink in the corners/bends,, I think the brand was Cortex(or something like that).

Since we now know what Not to buy,,, is there someone out there selling an actual quality set of ss drip rails that Don't suck,, and will actually snap into place properly,,, I'd also like to know since I'll be needing a set for my 65 coupe some time in the future.

Thanks, Doug

www.dougs65mustangrestoration.blogspot.com

[kutzoh]

Doug-
    Had the same problem and asked the same question on my coupe restoration last year, had a forum member respond with a good set of used drip rails that I then had polished and buffed along with the rest of my stainless. Could not be happier with the results. You might want to try the wanted section here and VMF as an option. Good luck.

Greg 

[C5ZZ]

Doug, I am the guy that Greg is speaking of,
if you need a pair leave me a PM.

[Hawkeye]

Any updates to the initial question, cuz I just had the same problem with mouldings from CJ.  Does NPD have better luck?  Are they stainless or chrome?  If they're stainless is a good polishing possible (ignoring the little dents that have popped up over the 53 years they've been on).

[gjz30075]

I think you're best off getting your originals, or a set of originals, restored.   I found a kid locally who is good at popping out the dings and polishing the
pieces.    He's since moved away, unfortunately.  Surely, if you start 'networking' at your local cruise nights, you'll find someone.

[67gta289]

Any updates to the initial question, cuz I just had the same problem with mouldings from CJ.  Does NPD have better luck?  Are they stainless or chrome?  If they're stainless is a good polishing possible (ignoring the little dents that have popped up over the 53 years they've been on).

Yes they are stainless.  Refinishing originals is the only way to go IMO.

[J_Speegle]

I think you're best off getting your originals, or a set of originals, restored.   I found a kid locally who is good at popping out the dings and polishing the
pieces.

+1

[markb0729]

I also tried the repop moldings with no luck.  Those suckers just would not fit right.  Got originals and restored them.  Fit and installed perfectly.

[Hipo giddyup]

Another good tip is NOT to layer coats of primer and paint over the metal drip rail area. One light coat of paint or primer is ok. You can easily screw up originals trying to get them to fit over mucho coats of paint. Ask me how I know 

[Hawkeye]

Another good tip is NOT to layer coats of primer and paint over the metal drip rail area. One light coat of paint or primer is ok. You can easily screw up originals trying to get them to fit over mucho coats of paint. Ask me how I know 

Fortunately didn't have that problem, the originals popped right back on when we realized the new ones were crap.
thanks for the replies, a-refinishing I will go.  I'm seeing my rebuilder next week, and he deals with old cars all the time (my '64.5 is pretty new for him) and I'll see if he's got anybody that does that sort of thing.

[J_Speegle]

Fortunately didn't have that problem, the originals popped right back on when we realized the new ones were crap.
thanks for the replies, a-refinishing I will go.  I'm seeing my rebuilder next week, and he deals with old cars all the time (my '64.5 is pretty new for him) and I'll see if he's got anybody that does that sort of thing.

If the shop does allot of 40s- 50s cars he should have some one. If mostly 10s - 30s he might not

But good luck there are good ones out there that will do a great job since the metal is fairly thick and workable. Biggest challenge is finding some one somewhat local so you don't have to ship these odd shaped items

[kutzoh]

Hawkeye-
     Here's a link to the outfit I used for my '64.5-

http://www.dellmetalpolishing.com/index2.html

Not necessarily suggesting you send your rails to Youngstown but maybe it will give you an idea on what to Google for in your area. Helpful hint - If you're going to do your drip rails might as well do the stainless around the front and rear windows at the same time!

Hope this helps,
Greg

[Hawkeye]

Hawkeye-
     Here's a link to the outfit I used for my '64.5-

http://www.dellmetalpolishing.com/index2.html

Not necessarily suggesting you send your rails to Youngstown but maybe it will give you an idea on what to Google for in your area. Helpful hint - If you're going to do your drip rails might as well do the stainless around the front and rear windows at the same time!

Hope this helps,
Greg

Thanks for the link.  Fortunately, my guy knows a guy in the area, so we're planning that for this winter.  I have been wondering about the window shiny stuff, is that all stainless as well?  Cuz if it is, yeah, gonna do it all this winter.  The door window shiny stuff is beat up, so I hope that's all stainless.

[kutzoh]

Hawkeye-
    Not sure what you're referring to as "window shiny stuff", but the trim around the front windshield and rear window is stainless.


Hope this helps,
Greg

[Hawkeye]

What about the shiny stuff around the door glass, the wing windows, and the quarter window?  Is that all stainless?  Those are one of the last areas that still need to be made all shiny again.  I replaced the windshield and rear window trim, and that worked out ok.  I don't think the stuff I replaced was original, so nothing lost there.