Topic: 1965 fastback fold down rear seat chrome

[Road Reptile]

Hi,
Want to have the chrome trim for the fold down rechromed and wonder if any one has ever removed the pin from the hinge?
Any Ideas on installing it with fresh chrome to prevent scratches or damage?
Thanks  R.R.

[Bob Gaines]

Hi,
Want to have the chrome trim for the fold down rechromed and wonder if any one has ever removed the pin from the hinge?
Any Ideas on installing it with fresh chrome to prevent scratches or damage?
Thanks  R.R.

If you haven't already done so It may be prudent to compare the repro chrome pieces to the original chrome pieces . Also compare the price of the repro chrome pieces to what it will cost to rechrome the original. I think that you will be surprised on both counts. If I am not mistaken you will have to rechrome one piece of the original that isn't quite exact on the repro. 

[jwc66k]

Want to have the chrome trim for the fold down rechromed and wonder if any one has ever removed the pin from the hinge?
Any Ideas on installing it with fresh chrome to prevent scratches or damage?

Being that none of the original chrome pieces are stamped with anything, no Ford logo, no Ford part numbers, no plant ID, you can use a reproduction set - especially the hinge. The one piece that Bob is referring to that you will have to get re-chromed is the front piece on the curved section. The 1965 curved section uses a round rubber bumper on each end that is retained with a screw. That same piece in the kit is the 66 style that uses a rubber bumper on a threaded shaft (with a lock nut - pic 2 - you don't want this type) that is located about 4 inches from the end. That bumper goes in a "cup" on the rear fixed section (pic 3). The 65 bumpers hit a (chromed) stop bracket (pic 1).
There is possibly another piece you may have to get re-chromed, the right hand curved equivalent of where the latch on the left side goes into (pic 4).
Now, here's the "catch". Late 1965 Fastbacks "may" have got the 1966 type. That would be July and August builds, and it "may" have been "plant peculiar".
Jim

[Road Reptile]

Hi again,
Bob and Jim,
Thanks for the suggestions. I am currently getting chrome estimates which are a few days out. Have you seen the video of someone installing the repro trim--looks to be very poor quality and drastic fit. Think the original is still the best and want to keep it genuine if at all possible. It is such a visible part of the car and worth doing 100%  Again thanks for the help.
R.R.

[Bob Gaines]

Hi again,
Bob and Jim,
Thanks for the suggestions. I am currently getting chrome estimates which are a few days out. Have you seen the video of someone installing the repro trim--looks to be very poor quality and drastic fit. Think the original is still the best and want to keep it genuine if at all possible. It is such a visible part of the car and worth doing 100%  Again thanks for the help.
R.R.

I have used the repro fold down trim before and at least the set I got was very nice comparatively speaking but that was just my experience . I think I got mine from Virginia Classic Mustang. If you wouldn't mind after you get your chrome estimate would you report back on with how much?  It has been a few years since I have heard of any estimates to rechrome the trim and would like a current estimate.

[jwc66k]

I am currently getting chrome estimates which are a few days out.

Be prepared for sticker shock.

Have you seen the video of someone installing the repro trim--looks to be very poor quality and drastic fit.

See attached. I did mine in May 2012. I can't answer for what the quality is today.
Jim