Topic: Wheel Well Lip Moldings

[67gtasanjose]

I am looking to replace my dinged original moldings around the wheel well openings.
Who makes/sells the best fitting sets that are closest to OE? I see so many sets and everybody is selling them but this seems like one of those things that you get what you pay for. Not looking to just put any old crap onto it.
Anybody with NOS?

Richard

[pagoda69]

Unless you can find NOS, I'll bet most of these moldings are made and purchased from the same place……China?  The quality is probably the same. Find the best price.
John

[CharlesTurner]

NOS is getting very expensive, but they are superior in appearance and construction to the reproductions.

[67gtasanjose]

Has anybody had much success in repairing original ones? About how much is the norm on having dings & scrapes removed at chrome shops?
Maybe that's another option, idk...

[TLea]

They arent chrome. They can be restored like rocker moldings but process is expensive. They are anodized aluminum so anodizing needs to be stripped, repairs made, buffing then re anodized

[Bob Gaines]

Has anybody had much success in repairing original ones? About how much is the norm on having dings & scrapes removed at chrome shops?
Maybe that's another option, idk...

I haven't had any done but the problem i see is that since they were "brite dip" anodized ,the process of hammering,polishing etc the dings out will compromise the finish making it look different compared to the surrounding area. You will have to strip off the anodizing ,then repair ,then re brite dip anodize for correct look. This whole process makes the NOS prices easier to understand.   brite dip anodizing not to be confused with typical aluminum anodizing has been discussed here before if you want more info.

[67gtasanjose]

FINALLY!  I believe the HUNT is over! Found a NOS set of 4 at the Columbus FORD Swap meet today  I feel they were a good buy too, since I've seen them go, with scratches and scrapes far worse than these for around $450/set...much better price on these and less possible DAMAGE IN SHIPPING (I hope!)

One has some light scratches from the packaging being old, falling loose, worst case would need to possibly get that one redipped. The rest, best I can see without tearing them open, look rather good. I feel it was worth the trip now!

[Oz390]

Nice score.  I've tried the repros and ended up throwing them out as they fit so badly... some ends were ~1" too long, hung out in space,  and the curves on all 4 failed miserably in aligning to the wheel opening.  And no real way to recurve them to fit properly.  Makes you wonder if the manufacturerer even tries to install them... in this case obviously not.

[Fastback2013]

If possible, I want to have some explanation about the 'brite dip anodized' finish of these wheel well mouldings.
Mine are also dent and need certain a complete overhaul...
But I thought they must be re-chromed, but clearly they mustn't be.
It is the first time I ever heard of that term... Is it shiny? or mat?
Are there other parts that have the same finish?
Thanks for the explanation.
Kind regards,
Jeroen

[67gta289]

For 67 this would include the following trim:
1. Hood edge
2. Grill surround and edge trim
3. Rocker panel mouldings (optional)
4. Wheel lip mouldings (optional)
5. Rear end cap and trunk trim (optional)

[J_Speegle]

For 67 this would include the following trim:
1. Hood edge
2. Grill surround and edge trim
3. Rocker panel mouldings (optional)
4. Wheel lip mouldings (optional)
5. Rear end cap and trunk trim (optional)

Just doing the exterior I'm guessing

[Fastback2013]

Thanks for the reply, John and Jeff.
I assume that the letters M U S T A N G and F O R D on the hood and trunk are also in the same finish?
Is there a manor that you can see if it is done like it original came, or when it has been chromed?
Both finishes are bright and shiny?
Thanks,
Jeroen

[J_Speegle]

I assume that the letters M U S T A N G and F O R D on the hood and trunk are also in the same finish?

The letters are cast post metal then chrome plated - nothing like the aluminum pieces discussed above

[Bob Gaines]

If possible, I want to have some explanation about the 'brite dip anodized' finish of these wheel well mouldings.
Mine are also dent and need certain a complete overhaul...
But I thought they must be re-chromed, but clearly they mustn't be.
It is the first time I ever heard of that term... Is it shiny? or mat?
Are there other parts that have the same finish?
Thanks for the explanation.
Kind regards,
Jeroen

Brite dip anodizing is a more involved difficult chemical metal brightening and protecting anodizing process when compared to ordinary anodizing. It is commonly used on mass produced aluminum automotive trim. Both provide a clear protecting finish but the typical anodizing dulls down a shiny piece of fresh extruded aluminum if regular anodized where the Brite dip anodizing process further enhances the shine. Not many platers offer the specific Brite Dip and from experience you have to be very VERY specific in confirming that they understand the trade name differences and that they offer process .I have had bad experiences with platers how say "sure we do that"  but the finished product looks dull by comparison.