Trim and Molding Finishes

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    Author Topic: Trim and Molding Finishes  (Read 2877 times)

    Offline ChallengerDays

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    • Posts: 72
    Trim and Molding Finishes
    « on: October 01, 2010 - 03:33:46 PM »
    Hi,

    I’m in the process of restoring a 1970 Challenger SE and most of the trim is missing.  I feel it would be helpful to know the different types of finishes before I bid on EBay.  Anything stainless I can fix and polish.  Anything anodized or chromed would be costly to refinish.  Can anyone tell me the different types of metal and the finish for trim and molding associated with a 1970 Challenge SE?

    - Belt Molding
    - Drip Rail Molding
    - Windshield Trim
    - Rear Window Trim
    - Quarter Window Trim
    - Vinyl Top Molding
    - Front Grill
    - Headlight Bezels

    Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :bigsmile:

    Thank you,
    Bill
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    Alaskan_TA

    • Guest
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #1 on: October 01, 2010 - 04:33:03 PM »
    SS;
    - Belt Molding
    - Drip Rail Molding
    - Windshield Trim
    - Rear Window Trim
    - Quarter Window Trim
    - Vinyl Top Molding

    Anodized aluminum
    - Front Grill
    - Headlight Bezels
       Rear quarters / tailight panel.

    Also, be aware that the SE vinyl top trim around the back is wider, I want to say 5/8". (Non SE cars it is about 1/2")
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    Offline ChallengerDays

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    • Posts: 72
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #2 on: October 01, 2010 - 05:47:39 PM »
    Thank you! 

    Are the retainer clips for the SE vinyl top molding and belt molding remanufactured?  Do they work?
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    Alaskan_TA

    • Guest
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #3 on: October 01, 2010 - 06:56:10 PM »
    I am sure they are & do, but I have never had a need for them myself. Hopefully an SE owner will chime in.
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    Offline djwhog

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    • Posts: 232
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #4 on: October 02, 2010 - 01:38:46 AM »
    What is the best way to revitalize the stainless trim and remove very small scratches and shine em up too?

    thanks! :feedback:
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    Offline GranCuda1970

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    • Rev 20:4. Mat 6:33 John 1:3 Mat 26:41
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #5 on: October 02, 2010 - 03:18:05 AM »
     :popcorn: I thought it had something to do with scotch brite I would like to know as well.
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    Offline RusTy/SE

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    • Posts: 5456
    • Just havin' fun
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #6 on: October 02, 2010 - 10:32:51 AM »
    I've had this pic saved for quite a while, shows the difference between standard and SE bottom of vinyl top mldgs :thumbsup:

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    Russ
    2001 Durango     1B4HS
    1970 Challenger  JS29U
    Restoration thread: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=27173.0
    Member since December 13, 2002

    Offline AMXguy

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    • Posts: 1035
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #7 on: October 02, 2010 - 09:22:34 PM »
    SE vinyl top trim is tough to find but it's out there. the clips are availible from R/T specialties. something to think about if you're not in love with the SE top is to just put a standard rear window in and use the eaiser to find standard moldings. if my car wasn't an original R/T SE I would have tossed the little back window I don't like it.

     Restoring trim to show quality is an art form, with the proper tools like a files, trim hammers, sander and  good buffer it can be done by a novice but expect mixed results and some trashed trim. I've gotten pretty good at it but it was a struggle to even get to the level I am and that ain't a pro. dented and scratched trim you can fix, if it's tweaked or kinked have fun I know I can't do it.  crappy trim can ruin a 25 K paint job,  restore what you can and farm the rest out to a pro.
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    1970 R/T SE Challenger
     1970 Superbee
     1969 S code Mach 1
     1967  GTO

    Offline Red R/T

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    • Posts: 222
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #8 on: October 05, 2010 - 04:40:48 PM »
    Good advice on the trim restoration.  I have an SE that is almost complete.  I did all the stainless trim myself.  If the trim is in good condition all you'll need is a good buffer and elbow grease.  I had one peice that was bent and dented so I tried to reshape it myself.  Long story short, I went hunting on ebay for another one.  As for the scratches you may need a fine file for the deeper cuts.  Just remember that any additional gouges you put in the trim will have be sanded smooth before you begin polishing.  I started with 150 grit paper on the really bad spots and moved through a succession of grits to get to a smooth state for polishing.  I finish sanded the peices with 2000 wet/dry paper.  The polishing process will not remove visible scratches.  Eastwood sells all the components to accomplish this.  I have about $250 dollars invested in equipment and materials but probably saved 3x that much by doing it myself.  Not to mention I still have the equipment and have used it to help others and do some other projects.  If I can do it anybody can do it. 
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    1970 Challenger U code R/T SE

    Offline chaps70rt

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    • Posts: 613
    • 70 Challenger R/T Hardtop in Progress (Canada)
    Re: Trim and Molding Finishes
    « Reply #9 on: October 18, 2010 - 05:16:07 AM »
    Once the trim is polished, has anyone found a good wax or clear finish that maintains the shine??   I just fixed my 70 Challenger headlight bezels and am concerned that it will quickly lose it's lustre and need to keep polishing.

    Thoughts ..... comments?

    CHAPS
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    White 1970 Challenger R/T
    440 - 4BBL - Shaker
    Daily Driver - 2014 Dodge RAM 1500
    Stouffville, Ontario Canada
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