How to restore ribbed rocker moulding trim pieces

[BuckeyeBuicks]

Any one have a good tip on how to restore the ribbed rocker trim pieces at home? I have been looking at them and hit one with some 600 grit with poor results. I know they can be professionally restored but I would like to do it my self if possible.

Thanks, Mike

[Mark Ascher]

Mike,

Are they straight? No dents, dings, corrosion, etc?

Mark

[option B9]

   Hi Mike.
   If the moldings are dent free and not rotted just clean them real good with 0-00 steel wool dipped in dawn dish washing liquid with a good amount of water and get scrubbing until all the grime is off. Then take 000 to 0000 and clean/polish (with soap n water) the non painted edge of the ribs. Next wash off all the soap and let them dry. Next get a can of quality black spray paint. I used a satin finish. Next spray the whole molding then take a rag wet it with paint thinner and clear off the edge that's not supposed to be painted. Let it dry and repeat the process. I did it back in 1994 and it still looks good.

                                           Tony

[BuckeyeBuicks]

I have saved enough of them over the years to have some straight and pretty much undamaged ones. As my luck goes, the best two are the most cruddy and dirty. I have already scrubbed the daylights out of them with fine steel wool and not gained too much. Were there any of these rocker moldings that were factory clear coated or some thing similar?  I think I will move up to fine sandpaper and see if that works any better.


 Thanks for the help guys!...?????.Mike

[cwmcobra]

Mike,

It's my understanding that the aluminum was anodized and then the black paint applied with no clear or other top coat. 

Chuck

[BuckeyeBuicks]

I believe they must have been anodized. I scrubbed with fine steel wool for a long time with almost no results. Oh well, back to the drawing board. I am starting to see why all these restoration shops get the big bucks for their work!

[Loren At 65GS]

They are clear anodized. 

  Loren

[WkillGS]

It's a drastic method, but you could remove the anodizing with Easy-off oven cleaner, polish the aluminum and clear coat it. It will have a slightly different color to it.
It's also possible to have the moldings chrome plated.
I'm not aware of a method to tough up an anodized surface.

[35chevcoupe]

Does anyone know of a company that does a QUALITY job at re anodizing aluminum ?
I,d like to get mine done soon too .  Theres a company in my area that does anodizing but I have not heard good things about them so not gonna chance having them ruined .

[GS66]

There?s a place in Wisconsin that does a great job, a friend had is GTO trim done there. I will get the name.

[GS66]

His were done at Eberts Classic Chev, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.  715-325-3200

[35chevcoupe]

Thanks Jim ,   I,ll be giving them a call Monday morn.

[BuckeyeBuicks]

I going to try the easy-off on a bent up piece to see what happens.  Stay tuned!!

[GS66]

John, my friend is from Jordan and had a 67 GTO done and a 66 Chevelle SS 396 convertible. We did the Power Tour with him and his GTO was really nice.

[Loren At 65GS]

I going to try the easy-off on a bent up piece to see what happens.  Stay tuned!!

  Be careful about the amount of time the easy off is left to sit. It will eat into the aluminum .

  Been there , done that.

  Loren