How to restore your side moldings - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Prostreet 72 · 02-25-2009, 11:39 AM

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

Prostreet 72 · 02-25-2009, 11:42 AM

Cont.

drewdude92 · 02-25-2009, 12:03 PM

good lookin!

**1970cstblazer** · 02-25-2009, 12:17 PM

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.

**leddzepp** · 02-25-2009, 12:21 PM

Great info...subscribed!

420am · 02-25-2009, 01:10 PM

cool.. thanks!

michael bustamante · 02-25-2009, 01:14 PM

You see. . . this is why I recommend this site to all my truck head friends, Thanks prostreet

Prostreet 72 · 02-25-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

You see. . . this is why I recommend this site to all my truck head friends, Thanks prostreet

No problem. I'm willing to teach.

Prostreet 72 · 02-25-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prostreet 72

No problem. I'm willing to teach.

ttt.

Stoney · 02-25-2009, 06:25 PM

Nice work

ChevLoRay · 02-25-2009, 06:31 PM

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.

OrangeCrush1970 · 02-25-2009, 09:44 PM

THANK YOU! This is great info-

dfwright · 02-25-2009, 09:46 PM

What kind of wax do you use to reseal the aluminum when done?

9teen69 · 02-25-2009, 11:44 PM

Looks sweet! Great info.

Lugnut64052 · 02-26-2009, 01:56 AM

Wonder how well clear lacquer would stick to them to prevent them from going dull after they were polished?

au03z71 · 02-26-2009, 07:40 AM

What type of paint did you use?

Security guy · 02-26-2009, 08:38 AM

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?

Prostreet 72 · 02-26-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Security guy

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?

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

72BlckButy · 02-26-2009, 09:11 AM

Definitely subscribed to this thread.... awesome thread!

cedorris · 02-26-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

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.

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.

ChevLoRay · 02-26-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prostreet 72

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

I have a roll of Dinoc vinyl that was what GM and others used to simulate the wood paneling on vehicles in the 70's. It's weather-proof and should be the same type of material that was on the trim.

Prostreet 72 · 02-27-2009, 05:23 PM

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!

Prostreet 72 · 02-27-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedorris

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.

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

**1970cstblazer** · 02-27-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedorris

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.

Use a quality paste wax rubbed to a shine.

70LonghornCST · 04-26-2009, 05:52 PM

Cool!
Subscribed...

02-25-2009, 11:39 AM	#1
Prostreet 72 Prostreet 72 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Goodrich, Michigan Posts: 278	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 Attached Images __________________ 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.

02-25-2009, 11:42 AM	#2
Prostreet 72 Prostreet 72 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Goodrich, Michigan Posts: 278	Re: How to restore your side moldings Cont. Attached Images __________________ 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

02-25-2009, 12:03 PM	#3
drewdude92 72 chevys 4 life Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Crescent,Ok Posts: 406	Re: How to restore your side moldings good lookin! __________________ I dont call it being young and dumb....I call it young and havin fun

02-25-2009, 12:17 PM	#4
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,413	Re: How to restore your side moldings 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. __________________ 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

02-25-2009, 12:21 PM	#5
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,995	Re: How to restore your side moldings Great info...subscribed!

02-25-2009, 01:10 PM	#6
420am Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 357	Re: How to restore your side moldings cool.. thanks! __________________ 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)

02-25-2009, 01:14 PM	#7
michael bustamante Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,841	Re: How to restore your side moldings You see. . . this is why I recommend this site to all my truck head friends, Thanks prostreet __________________ 1967custom

02-25-2009, 06:25 PM	#10
Stoney Farm Truck Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jersey Village, Texas Posts: 547	Re: How to restore your side moldings Nice work __________________ 1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx

02-25-2009, 06:31 PM	#11
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	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. __________________ 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.

02-25-2009, 09:44 PM	#12
OrangeCrush1970 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Smyrna, GA Posts: 709	Re: How to restore your side moldings THANK YOU! This is great info- __________________ *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

02-25-2009, 09:46 PM	#13
dfwright Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 1,374	Re: How to restore your side moldings What kind of wax do you use to reseal the aluminum when done?

02-25-2009, 11:44 PM	#14
9teen69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,048	Re: How to restore your side moldings Looks sweet! Great info. __________________ 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)

02-26-2009, 01:56 AM	#15
Lugnut64052 Middle-aged Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 753	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? __________________ 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

02-26-2009, 07:40 AM	#16
au03z71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: alabama Posts: 647	Re: How to restore your side moldings What type of paint did you use?

02-26-2009, 08:38 AM	#17
Security guy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sarasota, Fl. Posts: 441	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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02-26-2009, 09:11 AM	#19
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: How to restore your side moldings Definitely subscribed to this thread.... awesome thread! __________________ -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)

02-27-2009, 05:23 PM	#22
Prostreet 72 Prostreet 72 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Goodrich, Michigan Posts: 278	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! __________________ 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

04-26-2009, 05:52 PM	#25
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: How to restore your side moldings Cool! Subscribed... __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

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