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#1 |
Prostreet 72
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Goodrich, Michigan
Posts: 278
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How to restore your side moldings
I decided to share with everyone how to restore your dented side moldings. I have a set of them on the for sale side priced rather cheap, and people are asking about how many dents, and dings they have in them. It dawned on me that people may not know how to restore these parts. So here it is.
1) The first step is to remove the dents and dings by pushing them out from the rear of the molding. To do this, I use the tools pictured below. You want to be careful not to push too hard, or the dent will end up too proud on the show side. To keep this from happening, I use a piece of plywood to push them out on. The plywood will not mark up the molding further. I use wooden sticks and some small punches to push the dents out. Then straighten the clip flanges with a small hammer and needle nose plyers. 2) After the dents have been pushed out, you need to use 180 grit sand paper and sand the surface flat. This will do two things for you. 1) It will smooth out the dent by removing the high and low spots. 2) It will cut thru the clear coating that the factory used on the moldings, and allow you to work with the raw aluminum. 3) After you have removed the imperfections and clear coat with the 180 grit paper, you can switch to 800 grit wet/dry paper. I follow the 800 with 1200 then 2000 before I polish it back up. 4) Next you tape it off and repaint the black stripes. I choose to wipe the surface with a thinner prior to painting. 5) The only thing left to do is replace the woodgrain sticker and you are done. You have removed the dents, and saved the molding and a pile of money. Once you have them completed, you can use Mothers or Flitz to polish them back up at will. If you need help, or have questions on what to do, let me know. Chris ![]()
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Prostreet 72 "Green Monster" 1972 Fleetside Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&goto=newpost http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319041 Last edited by Prostreet 72; 02-26-2009 at 09:00 AM. |
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#2 |
Prostreet 72
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Goodrich, Michigan
Posts: 278
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Cont.
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Prostreet 72 "Green Monster" 1972 Fleetside Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&goto=newpost http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319041 |
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#3 |
72 chevys 4 life
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Crescent,Ok
Posts: 406
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
good lookin!
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I dont call it being young and dumb....I call it young and havin fun ![]() |
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#4 |
All stock and staying that way
![]() Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Elkland, PA
Posts: 1,485
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Very nice work.
That "clear coating" is actually anodizing. Polishing the unprotected aluminum works well for a show vehicle, but it will dull/corrode in the presence of moisture, unless it is sealed with a coat of wax.
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1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... ![]() 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... ![]() 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels |
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#5 |
1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 302
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Is there some kind of spray or coating you would recommend to keep it from dulling again? I'm planning on using mine as a driver so while it will sleep in a garage it may be exposed to some moisture.
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#6 | |
Prostreet 72
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Goodrich, Michigan
Posts: 278
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Quote:
You know what? Your best bet is to repowder coat them with clear befor you do the black paint and decal work. Otherwise, I would recommend a clear coat with a hardner. Spray can stuff dose not have the hardner in it, so it will not last, and will not be very durrable for everyday use. If this were for a show car, I guess I personally would leave it bare and polish it once and a while. Chris
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Prostreet 72 "Green Monster" 1972 Fleetside Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&goto=newpost http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319041 |
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#7 |
All stock and staying that way
![]() Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Elkland, PA
Posts: 1,485
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Use a quality paste wax rubbed to a shine.
__________________
1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... ![]() 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... ![]() 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels |
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#8 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,006
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Great info...subscribed!
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 357
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
cool.. thanks!
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1972 Long Bed Cheyenne Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285282 Waste my bandwidth and listen to some great tunes >> http://www.radioxenu.com (Live Shows with yours truly every Friday) |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 7,848
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
You see. . . this is why I recommend this site to all my truck head friends, Thanks prostreet
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1967custom |
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#11 | |
Prostreet 72
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Goodrich, Michigan
Posts: 278
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Quote:
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Prostreet 72 "Green Monster" 1972 Fleetside Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&goto=newpost http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319041 |
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#12 |
Prostreet 72
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Goodrich, Michigan
Posts: 278
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
__________________
Prostreet 72 "Green Monster" 1972 Fleetside Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&goto=newpost http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319041 |
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#13 |
Farm Truck
![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Jersey Village, Texas
Posts: 547
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Nice work
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1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx |
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#14 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
The anodizing can be removed with oven cleaner.
For my grille, my plan is to spray it with oven cleaner, then start with 600-grit wed/dry paper and progress from there after dinging-out the small dents (as you showed) from behind. When it is as straight as possible, out will come the air-powered polishing tool that I bought at Sherwin-Williams for $100, same tool as Eastwood sell for another $30.
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Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Smyrna, GA
Posts: 709
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
THANK YOU! This is great info-
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Rottenwood Garage 1970...71...72 C1500 aka Orange aka Sideshow Bob 540 BB Straub Roller Cam, AFR Magnums, XP 950, TKO 600 2 Tons of Fun |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,374
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
What kind of wax do you use to reseal the aluminum when done?
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 1,048
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Looks sweet! Great info.
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72 Cheyenne SWB C10 (daily driver) (Super fake cause I just love the glovebox emblem) 70 Camaro RS (frame-off in pieces) 70 Camaro RS (daily driver backup) 69 Custom LWB C10 (son now drives) |
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#18 |
Middle-aged Curmudgeon
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 753
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Wonder how well clear lacquer would stick to them to prevent them from going dull after they were polished?
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Bret Check out the site's Truck Tech FAQ. Be a site supporter. My more-or-less pathetic build thread. Board members I've met: ------------------------------ Longhorn Man Dieselwrencher jholley big mike71 |
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: alabama
Posts: 647
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
What type of paint did you use?
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Sarasota, Fl.
Posts: 441
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Great thread. I've got to do this as well. Where do you get the wood-grain sticker and what color of black? Flat or semi-gloss?
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#21 | |
Prostreet 72
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Goodrich, Michigan
Posts: 278
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Quote:
On those parts pictured, I used a flat black. In retrospect, it should probably be a semi-gloss black. With regards to the woodgrain, LMC used to sell the decals, but a clever trick is to go to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up some woodgrain contact paper. This usually has a 3M adheasive laminated to it, and will work well for these moldings. It also opens up the oppertunity to change the grain to something more desireable. Darker, lighter, Oak or Pine. Chris
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Prostreet 72 "Green Monster" 1972 Fleetside Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&goto=newpost http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319041 |
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#22 | |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Quote:
__________________
Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
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#23 |
Prostreet 72
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Goodrich, Michigan
Posts: 278
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
I'm glad to see that this ended up being usefull information. If you need any help, let me know. Send me a PM.
Chris TTT one more time!
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Prostreet 72 "Green Monster" 1972 Fleetside Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1&goto=newpost http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=319041 |
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#24 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Definitely subscribed to this thread.... awesome thread!
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-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#25 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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Re: How to restore your side moldings
Cool!
Subscribed...
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2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn
70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal |
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