Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 18, 2009, 06:23:37 PM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 18, 2009, 06:23:37 PM
I have done a search on this and it looks like some of you guys (I think maybe Eric did this) have covered the fake chrome strip that runs in the body side molding with say a 3M brand 1/2" chrome striping. I assume you can find this stuff at say Autozone or Advance Auto. Does this work and fit well? Does it look OK?
Is there anyone that could post up some pics so I can see what this looks like? Since I got the car painted it really makes that crusty old chrome trim stand out more and look HORRIBLE. Its kind of like a supermodel with bad teeth...:punchballs:
Thanks for the help guys.
Is there anyone that could post up some pics so I can see what this looks like? Since I got the car painted it really makes that crusty old chrome trim stand out more and look HORRIBLE. Its kind of like a supermodel with bad teeth...:punchballs:
Thanks for the help guys.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 18, 2009, 06:28:17 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 18, 2009, 06:28:17 PM
Try it and let me know. I still need to do it to my car as well :hick:
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 18, 2009, 07:32:56 PM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 18, 2009, 07:32:56 PM
Quote
Try it and let me know. I still need to do it to my car as well
Yeah sure let me be the Guinea pig! lol. Yeah I hope someone lets me know what worked well for them...i'd hate to have to hit and miss it until I find the right kind. That could get expensive. lol.
Title: chrome body side moldings
Post by: salrock54 on March 19, 2009, 11:24:00 AM
Post by: salrock54 on March 19, 2009, 11:24:00 AM
i want to try it too. where can you get the 1/2 chrome tape? let me know the results.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Dansbirds on March 19, 2009, 11:32:27 AM
Post by: Dansbirds on March 19, 2009, 11:32:27 AM
Well, I dont want to try it but I need to. Anybody know where to get the chrome tape?
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 19, 2009, 02:54:16 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 19, 2009, 02:54:16 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;262415
Yeah sure let me be the Guinea pig! lol.
Sure why not ;)
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 19, 2009, 02:59:54 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 19, 2009, 02:59:54 PM
I've seen the chrome tape at the local auto paint shop, but I imagine it's also available at AutoZone, Pep Boys, etc.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: ~AC on March 19, 2009, 03:00:29 PM
Post by: ~AC on March 19, 2009, 03:00:29 PM
you can get that chrome/aluminum tape in the home improvement section of wally world. like the place where paints and lights bulbs and lamps and stuff are. i dont think it'll turn out well to be honest. from my memory its like 2 inches wide, and when you pull a piece of tape off it comes off all wrinkled from the roll.. not to say you couldnt try it though. you'd have to split it in half which is ganna be a pita.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 19, 2009, 05:45:11 PM
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 19, 2009, 05:45:11 PM
You can have it made ,any car or truck lettering place can make it. It's actually vinyl tape.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 19, 2009, 09:34:42 PM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 19, 2009, 09:34:42 PM
Yeah I'd rather not do chrome I thought about finding a metallic silver instead. All I know is that it looks like shiznit right now...
I'm gonna just experiment for the greater good of the forum and see what works.
I'm gonna just experiment for the greater good of the forum and see what works.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: BCA on March 19, 2009, 10:04:54 PM
Post by: BCA on March 19, 2009, 10:04:54 PM
I did it many years ago, but I wasn't satisfied with the result. This may sound odd but I thought it looked too shiny compared to the original.
I ended up buying all new moldings instead. It wasn't cheap and some of you may think I am nuts for spending what I did to get them but what can I say; I'm pretty buttstuff that way about my car.
I ended up buying all new moldings instead. It wasn't cheap and some of you may think I am nuts for spending what I did to get them but what can I say; I'm pretty buttstuff that way about my car.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Romeo2k on March 19, 2009, 10:07:06 PM
Post by: Romeo2k on March 19, 2009, 10:07:06 PM
P71 had a nice write up and pictures of how to install the chrome tape, But it went away when he took his site down. :(
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 19, 2009, 10:53:25 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 19, 2009, 10:53:25 PM
Nothing ever goes away on the Internet. ;)
Thread here: http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=13506
Aerobird's tape page archive: http://web.archive.org/web/20070523194043/www.aerobirdmotorsports.com/Appearance.html
Aerobird's entire site: http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://aerobirdmotorsports.com
P.S. I'm with Brent...NOS is the way to go. But we're about the only two people that we know about that are nuts enough to pay what we did.
Thread here: http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=13506
Aerobird's tape page archive: http://web.archive.org/web/20070523194043/www.aerobirdmotorsports.com/Appearance.html
Aerobird's entire site: http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://aerobirdmotorsports.com
P.S. I'm with Brent...NOS is the way to go. But we're about the only two people that we know about that are nuts enough to pay what we did.
Title: chrome body side moldings
Post by: salrock54 on March 20, 2009, 04:04:24 AM
Post by: salrock54 on March 20, 2009, 04:04:24 AM
Quote from: BCA;262701
I did it many years ago, but I wasn't satisfied with the result. This may sound odd but I thought it looked too shiny compared to the original.
I ended up buying all new moldings instead. It wasn't cheap and some of you may think I am nuts for spending what I did to get them but what can I say; I'm pretty buttstuff that way about my car.
where did you get your wide xr-7 side moldings-any info,leads.any old stock around?
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: BCA on March 20, 2009, 10:02:23 AM
Post by: BCA on March 20, 2009, 10:02:23 AM
Quote from: salrock54;262727
where did you get your wide xr-7 side moldings-any info,leads.any old stock around?
All of mine were purchased new at the dealer back around 1990 when ther were still available.
I have purchased some extra NOS pieces in the last few years as I come across them to have as spares.
They show up for sale on eBay and on the forum from time to time.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=18874
It just depends on your outlook for the car. Right now my moldings are in great shape, but since I never have any plans to sell it, and I know from experience that they can deteriorate from UV exposure I will most likely have a need for replacements sometime in the future.
Sometimes you have to jump at the chance when stuff like this shows up no matter if you need it at the time or not or you will most likely miss the opportunity to have it when you really need it.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: vinnietbird on March 20, 2009, 11:24:24 AM
Post by: vinnietbird on March 20, 2009, 11:24:24 AM
I'd buy NOS side trim (between the fenders) if I could find those 6 pieces.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 11:26:51 AM
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 11:26:51 AM
I'm just taking my side molding off I really hate the look of it.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: ~AC on March 20, 2009, 11:49:20 AM
Post by: ~AC on March 20, 2009, 11:49:20 AM
Quote from: vinnietbird;262776
I'd buy NOS side trim (between the fenders) if I could find those 6 pieces.
its prolly just me, but your car looks great without the trim between the wheels. you have the trim to fit the bumpers :evilgrin:
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 20, 2009, 12:08:58 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 20, 2009, 12:08:58 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;262707
P.S. I'm with Brent...NOS is the way to go. But we're about the only two people that we know about that are nuts enough to pay what we did.
Quote from: vinnietbird;262776
I'd buy NOS side trim (between the fenders) if I could find those 6 pieces.
I'm with Vinnie if I could find the side trim between the wheels I would pay $$$ for it. I don't know where the hell I'd find it though....
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 20, 2009, 12:58:10 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 20, 2009, 12:58:10 PM
Side molding pieces should really be prime candidates for reproduction IMO. But fiberglass or ABS plastic instead of urethane, and with replaceable universal quarter-round trim. That would solve all of our problems virtually forever.
Anyone with money to invest in this? ;)
Anyone with money to invest in this? ;)
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 20, 2009, 02:01:09 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 20, 2009, 02:01:09 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;262812
Side molding pieces should really be prime candidates for reproduction IMO. But fiberglass or ABS plastic instead of urethane, and with replaceable universal quarter-round trim. That would solve all of our problems virtually forever.
Anyone with money to invest in this? ;)
How much would something like that cost to have tooled up? I have $$$ ammount of money not $$$$$$$$$$:hick:
You know I have an uncle who is a mold maker by trade (he and my grandfather used to have a shop they ran together). I wonder if he has any idea of how much it would cost to make it.......
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 02:07:32 PM
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 02:07:32 PM
Can you re-use molding? Sounds stupid I'm sure but I'm curious.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 20, 2009, 02:15:47 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 20, 2009, 02:15:47 PM
Quote from: 86XR7project;262828
Can you re-use molding? Sounds stupid I'm sure but I'm curious.
Yes you can but:
1. It gets a little wavy after it's removed and put back on, especially the long piece on the doors.
2. Most molding that we want to replace is weather worn. Good luck trying to find minty replacement molding at the wreaking yard.
The black part of my molding is pretty much ok it's just the chrome that looks worn. It looks good in pics and from a few feet away but up close not so much. Plus when ever I get the car painted I'd like to put brand new molding on instead of 21+ year old molding on a freshly painted car.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 20, 2009, 03:04:40 PM
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 20, 2009, 03:04:40 PM
Paint it all one color, looks like it belongs that way, skip the chrome.
Ford should of thought about that.
Ford should of thought about that.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 20, 2009, 04:23:19 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 20, 2009, 04:23:19 PM
If you peel off the molding from a car and it's curled but otherwise in good shape, it is possible to peel the aluminum backing from the urethane molding itself, and then reuse the molding using double-sided 3M tape directly on the back. I usually recommend laying the molding out in a blacktop driveway or parking lot on a really hot day (80 degrees +). The aluminum will practically peel itself off after that. A heat gun can also help, although I've had less success doing it that way. I let nature do the work for me. ;)
The idea of painting the chrome parts either body color or the same color as the molding appeals to me as well. It gives a sportier look, and it's something that I've always advocated. BUT, if we're going for an all-original look, then that does no good. I have one of each on my cars (convertible=painted, '84=stock) and I can see the appeal of the chrome from a stock point of view. But that wouldn't have cut it on the convertible, with everything else painted. So it's a matter of discretion.
The idea of painting the chrome parts either body color or the same color as the molding appeals to me as well. It gives a sportier look, and it's something that I've always advocated. BUT, if we're going for an all-original look, then that does no good. I have one of each on my cars (convertible=painted, '84=stock) and I can see the appeal of the chrome from a stock point of view. But that wouldn't have cut it on the convertible, with everything else painted. So it's a matter of discretion.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 20, 2009, 04:34:08 PM
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 20, 2009, 04:34:08 PM
Eric, in your case it's understandable. For guys and gals its what ever you like, In my case there's no way I will be stock. That changed a while back. If you want to keep everything stock you better buy what you can now, I don't see a future build of the things we need.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 06:13:35 PM
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 06:13:35 PM
How do you guys go about removing the double sided 3M tape on them and the car? This is a pain.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 20, 2009, 06:33:53 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 20, 2009, 06:33:53 PM
Heh...yeah, I agree and haven't really found a really good solution for that. Lots of wax/grease remover, and even more elbow grease. I've tried heat, lacquer thinner (not recommended LOL), all types of other solvents...nothing did the job like hard work.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 06:44:30 PM
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 06:44:30 PM
I've had alright results with a light grinder but its long leaves a little residue and iritates the hell out of me.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 20, 2009, 07:03:05 PM
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 20, 2009, 07:03:05 PM
Quote from: 86XR7project;262903
I've had alright results with a light grinder but its long leaves a little residue and iritates the hell out of me.
Are you for real!, How do you lightly "gind it" out?
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 07:37:33 PM
Post by: 86XR7project on March 20, 2009, 07:37:33 PM
Lightly enough it didn't go through the paint. This is a very small grinder not an agressive grinder.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Chooglin on March 20, 2009, 08:01:30 PM
Post by: Chooglin on March 20, 2009, 08:01:30 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;262823
How much would something like that cost to have tooled up? I have $$$ ammount of money not $$$$$$$$$$:hick:
You know I have an uncle who is a mold maker by trade (he and my grandfather used to have a shop they ran together). I wonder if he has any idea of how much it would cost to make it.......
This is the process that is used to create the molding.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrusion
I once owned a patent on a product that was used on rv's
http://www.rvaccessorypart.exactwebsites.com/page/page/3352092.htm
that used this process to create the molding.
the cost of the die,is not that exspensive (I believe it was around $700.00 for ours).where the cost comes in, is,the packageing of the product.to have the product actually run,is very cheap, depending on how many feet of the product is run. (the more ,the cheaper).
Now to have the chrome strip added to this,would probably run into more money,but the molding itself,would be fairly cheap to have produced.
If anyone is seriously considering this,I can look into it further.The guy that ownes "Rainkap" now,is my brother-inlaw and I can see what kinds of prices he is dealing with rite now and the company he is working with,to have the product made.
Title: chrome on side molding
Post by: salrock54 on March 20, 2009, 08:21:38 PM
Post by: salrock54 on March 20, 2009, 08:21:38 PM
all xr-7 people-body side chrome needs resto-the mold sounds good- with a "real chrome" side-made to factory-in bulk the price may pay for all xr-7 cars.maybe someone could make the trims to factory specs.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Chooglin on March 20, 2009, 08:36:44 PM
Post by: Chooglin on March 20, 2009, 08:36:44 PM
I just thought of a few things
how many diff. types of side moldings, are on these cars? because a dye would have to be made or modify the original ,for each type/shape of the molding.
I also would suggest making one piece,the entire lenght of the car,and you cut to suit.this would keep the exspense down.
how many diff. types of side moldings, are on these cars? because a dye would have to be made or modify the original ,for each type/shape of the molding.
I also would suggest making one piece,the entire lenght of the car,and you cut to suit.this would keep the exspense down.
Title: chrome on side molding
Post by: salrock54 on March 20, 2009, 08:57:32 PM
Post by: salrock54 on March 20, 2009, 08:57:32 PM
the 85-86 wide side moldings are the same .eric should know that.calling eric-parts interchange xr-7 body side pieces.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 20, 2009, 10:13:46 PM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 20, 2009, 10:13:46 PM
If someone made repops of original moldings for a resonable price I would 100% be on board to buy some. And by resonable I would say at the most $300 for the hole shabang. But I just don't see it happening any time soon...there is just not enough of a fan base for our cars to warrant anyone investing money into something with such a limited amount of potential sales. I guess thats the price you pay to have something different, but it still sucks for all of us!
As my car sits right now I have brand new paint on the car and so-so moldings with py chrome. Like I said earlier, its kinda like a supermodel with bad teeth. You'd probably still date her, but every time she smiles you have to look away. And I don't like looking away from my car...
Unless someone with far more money than me becomes a nut for our cars and decides to invest some serious dough in making parts for such a small community, we will always be delegated to scrounging s yards and/or just dealing with it! Time will tell I guess.
As my car sits right now I have brand new paint on the car and so-so moldings with py chrome. Like I said earlier, its kinda like a supermodel with bad teeth. You'd probably still date her, but every time she smiles you have to look away. And I don't like looking away from my car...
Unless someone with far more money than me becomes a nut for our cars and decides to invest some serious dough in making parts for such a small community, we will always be delegated to scrounging s yards and/or just dealing with it! Time will tell I guess.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Cougars 2 go on March 21, 2009, 08:32:55 PM
Post by: Cougars 2 go on March 21, 2009, 08:32:55 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;262393
I have done a search on this and it looks like some of you guys (I think maybe Eric did this) have covered the fake chrome strip that runs in the body side molding with say a 3M brand 1/2" chrome striping. I assume you can find this stuff at say Autozone or Advance Auto. Does this work and fit well? Does it look OK?
Is there anyone that could post up some pics so I can see what this looks like? Since I got the car painted it really makes that crusty old chrome trim stand out more and look HORRIBLE. Its kind of like a supermodel with bad teeth...:punchballs:
Thanks for the help guys.
I tried it on my '85. The problem I had was the curvature of the chrome strip was too much making the top and bottom edge of the 3M chrome tape peel right back up making the only contact run the center line. Basically the chrome tape I had was too thick. If you find chrome tape that is paper thin and strong adhesive on the back side, it would work.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 86XR7project on March 21, 2009, 09:49:47 PM
Post by: 86XR7project on March 21, 2009, 09:49:47 PM
Has anyone tried one of those 3M tape remover wheels?
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: jcassity on March 22, 2009, 02:12:12 AM
Post by: jcassity on March 22, 2009, 02:12:12 AM
the factory adhesive is a pita like eric said. I tried everything under the sun and ended up using a putty knife. Even at that rate, some residue remained behind that i had to grind off with one of those 3m scotch brite type sanding wheels. The problem with those is they fill up real fast and become useless.
I would just do what is suggested, let the car get some sun on it and pry out the old chrome molding inside the black. Get a roll of new stuff and lay it in there.
I noticed its totally different on the bumpers, atleast from what i could tell. the side moldings allow the center trim to come out more easy than the bumpers. I am to this day not sure if the center molding in the bumper is removeable or not.
This is the reason why I decided to lay red 3m 1/2'' electrical tape over top the chrome in the center. I was able to smoosh in the tiny tiny extra deep into the cracks with a credit card.
I think it turned out ok on my white coug.
I would just do what is suggested, let the car get some sun on it and pry out the old chrome molding inside the black. Get a roll of new stuff and lay it in there.
I noticed its totally different on the bumpers, atleast from what i could tell. the side moldings allow the center trim to come out more easy than the bumpers. I am to this day not sure if the center molding in the bumper is removeable or not.
This is the reason why I decided to lay red 3m 1/2'' electrical tape over top the chrome in the center. I was able to smoosh in the tiny tiny extra deep into the cracks with a credit card.
I think it turned out ok on my white coug.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 86XR7project on March 22, 2009, 09:01:23 AM
Post by: 86XR7project on March 22, 2009, 09:01:23 AM
Well I'll be trying something new then I guess. I'll post pics when I get started.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 28, 2017, 04:29:54 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 28, 2017, 04:29:54 PM
Aaaannnndddd 8 years later I found something that works, at least for the 87-88 cars. It's made by 3m, Silver Polyester Metalized Film Tape 1/2" Width.
https://www.grainger.com/product/15C477?gclid=COflnqTds9ICfornicate5wAodrvMFuQ&cm_mmc=PPC:GOOGLEPLAA-_-Adhesives%2C%20Sealants%20and%20Tape-_-Tapes-_-15C477&AL!2966!3!50916781677!!!g!104636078517!&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!50916781677!!!g!104636078517!&ef_id=V0NsfgAABDQah4wP:20170228212508:s
Grainger sells it. A 5 yard roll (15 feet) is enough to do the rubber side moldings between the wheels. It has an acrylic backing (like body side molding tape) and, if applied to a clean, grease free surface, sticks like crazy. It only needs to be trimmed at the ends as it is the perfect width to cover the chrome strip in the moldings .
https://www.grainger.com/product/15C477?gclid=COflnqTds9ICfornicate5wAodrvMFuQ&cm_mmc=PPC:GOOGLEPLAA-_-Adhesives%2C%20Sealants%20and%20Tape-_-Tapes-_-15C477&AL!2966!3!50916781677!!!g!104636078517!&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!50916781677!!!g!104636078517!&ef_id=V0NsfgAABDQah4wP:20170228212508:s
Grainger sells it. A 5 yard roll (15 feet) is enough to do the rubber side moldings between the wheels. It has an acrylic backing (like body side molding tape) and, if applied to a clean, grease free surface, sticks like crazy. It only needs to be trimmed at the ends as it is the perfect width to cover the chrome strip in the moldings .
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on February 28, 2017, 08:31:17 PM
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on February 28, 2017, 08:31:17 PM
I used 3M trim tape, only in black.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 01, 2017, 05:56:19 AM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 01, 2017, 05:56:19 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;459518
Aaaannnndddd 8 years later I found something that works, at least for the 87-88 cars. It's made by 3m, Silver Polyester Metalized Film Tape 1/2" Width.
https://www.grainger.com/product/15C477?gclid=COflnqTds9ICfornicate5wAodrvMFuQ&cm_mmc=PPC:GOOGLEPLAA-_-Adhesives%2C%20Sealants%20and%20Tape-_-Tapes-_-15C477&AL!2966!3!50916781677!!!g!104636078517!&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!50916781677!!!g!104636078517!&ef_id=V0NsfgAABDQah4wP:20170228212508:s
Grainger sells it. A 5 yard roll (15 feet) is enough to do the rubber side moldings between the wheels. It has an acrylic backing (like body side molding tape) and, if applied to a clean, grease free surface, sticks like crazy. It only needs to be trimmed at the ends as it is the perfect width to cover the chrome strip in the moldings .
I am so ordering this today! Thanks for figuring it out for the rest of us!!
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Aerocoupe on March 01, 2017, 08:39:18 AM
Post by: Aerocoupe on March 01, 2017, 08:39:18 AM
Post up how it works on the front and rear bumper covers. My concern is with going around the corners and staying flat and not bunching up.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 01, 2017, 01:43:19 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 01, 2017, 01:43:19 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;459526
I am so ordering this today! Thanks for figuring it out for the rest of us!!
I've had the tape on one of the moldings on my car since August of last year as a test. After several washings it has shown no signs of peeling or fading. However, I hand wash my Thunderbird and don't expose it to the elements so that may make the tape more durable. The tape is outdoor rated so it should last for several years. If it ends up not lasting I'll replace it with some chrome vinyl.
When you install the metalized film tap clean the chrome strip on the moldings with wax remover to get any gunk off of it. Dry the molding, then just apply the tape over the chrome strip and trim the edges. Done.
Quote from: Aerocoupe;459528
Post up how it works on the front and rear bumper covers. My concern is with going around the corners and staying flat and not bunching up.
I haven't tried it on the chrome strip on the 87-88 bumper covers as there is no need to. The chrome strip is replaceable, unlike the strip on the rubber moldings between the wheels. I'll just end up installing a new chrome strip in the front and rear bumper cover after the car is painted in a couple of months.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 05, 2017, 09:46:12 AM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 05, 2017, 09:46:12 AM
I just ordered my roll of tape from Grainger. $7.xx for the tape, $10.xx for shipping! Oh well I figured if I can spruce up the car for less than $20, it'll be worth it. (Still seems high for tape, lol).
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: Aerocoupe on March 05, 2017, 10:53:14 AM
Post by: Aerocoupe on March 05, 2017, 10:53:14 AM
The chrome strip on my '83 is replaceable but it is no longer available from Ford as far as I know. What can be used in lieu of the factory strip? I have this feeling I should use the search function....
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 05, 2017, 10:13:53 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 05, 2017, 10:13:53 PM
Quote from: Aerocoupe;459574
The chrome strip on my '83 is replaceable but it is no longer available from Ford as far as I know. What can be used in lieu of the factory strip? I have this feeling I should use the search function....
At one point I was doing heavy research on it but life got in the way. I haven't found a good aftermarket substitute yet but that doesn't mean it's not out there. It's just a 1/2" quarter-round chrome piece. In theory, that shouldn't be difficult to find...although what I was seeing was a lot flatter, which I don't think is a good alternative.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 06, 2017, 07:25:30 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 06, 2017, 07:25:30 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;459572
I just ordered my roll of tape from Grainger. $7.xx for the tape, $10.xx for shipping! Oh well I figured if I can spruce up the car for less than $20, it'll be worth it. (Still seems high for tape, lol).
. I just ordered it from a local Grainger (there's one a little over a mile from my house) and picked it up there. Apparently I saved $10 by not shipping the tape to my house....
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: CougarGal on March 07, 2017, 10:40:24 AM
Post by: CougarGal on March 07, 2017, 10:40:24 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;459581
At one point I was doing heavy research on it but life got in the way. I haven't found a good aftermarket substitute yet but that doesn't mean it's not out there. It's just a 1/2" quarter-round chrome piece. In theory, that shouldn't be difficult to find...although what I was seeing was a lot flatter, which I don't think is a good alternative.
Following this thread for solutions. My poor lady had a grill fire get a bit too close a couple of years ago and about a foot of this little chrome strip melted :( I've been trying to figure out a way to replace it ever since :(
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 07, 2017, 01:50:25 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 07, 2017, 01:50:25 PM
From a quick glance it looks like a 1995-97 Grand Marquis bumper impact strip molding *might* work on the 1983-86 bumpers...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=chrome+bumper+impact+strip+95-97&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xchrome+bumper+impact+strip+95-97+grand.TRS0&_nkw=chrome+bumper+impact+strip+95-97+grand&_sacat=0
I don't know the dimensions but the quarter-round profile looks pretty close.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=chrome+bumper+impact+strip+95-97&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xchrome+bumper+impact+strip+95-97+grand.TRS0&_nkw=chrome+bumper+impact+strip+95-97+grand&_sacat=0
I don't know the dimensions but the quarter-round profile looks pretty close.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: rodsterh on March 07, 2017, 09:35:07 PM
Post by: rodsterh on March 07, 2017, 09:35:07 PM
I bought some many years ago on ebay and it was a perfect match. Here's the profile. I should have bought more but think it was around $80.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 85CougarCobra on March 08, 2017, 08:47:07 AM
Post by: 85CougarCobra on March 08, 2017, 08:47:07 AM
I ended up painting over mine for a sportier look, but it was a bit of a process. My pictures are not the best but I ended up switching from the thin body side moldings to the thick ones to accommodate the ground effects. My original moldings were starting to pull away from the car around the wheel wells, nothing serious, but the usual thing you'll see or find with these cars. I ended up pulling all of the molding off of my car and a donor car with the thick molding. I then removed the top and bottom metal backing strips from all of the thick molding that I was going to reuse on my car. In addition, I also peeled away all of the protective clear covering that is on top of the chrome strip. In many cases, this will discolor or get cloudy and sometimes it will even crack or peel around the edges. When I peeled that all off, I just lightly sanded the entire molding to scuff it up for paint. I'd like to re-do them since I rattle canned them close to 20 years ago, but they are still going relatively strong. I bought the automotive grade 3M gray double sided tape to re-adhere them back to the car.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 08, 2017, 08:49:57 PM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 08, 2017, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;459599
. I just ordered it from a local Grainger (there's one a little over a mile from my house) and picked it up there. Apparently I saved $10 by not shipping the tape to my house....
The price I pay to live out in the country I guess! I couldn't even tell you where the closest Grainger store is to me. We had a Fastenal not too far away but it's closed up now.
Title: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 08, 2017, 10:51:16 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 08, 2017, 10:51:16 PM
Sometimes living in a major metro area has its advantages.
Title: Re: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: mcb82gt on July 30, 2020, 12:03:03 PM
Post by: mcb82gt on July 30, 2020, 12:03:03 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;459526I am so ordering this today! Thanks for figuring it out for the rest of us!!
I've had the tape on one of the moldings on my car since August of last year as a test. After several washings it has shown no signs of peeling or fading. However, I hand wash my Thunderbird and don't expose it to the elements so that may make the tape more durable. The tape is outdoor rated so it should last for several years. If it ends up not lasting I'll replace it with some chrome vinyl.
When you install the metalized film tap clean the chrome strip on the moldings with wax remover to get any gunk off of it. Dry the molding, then just apply the tape over the chrome strip and trim the edges. Done.Quote from: Aerocoupe;459528Post up how it works on the front and rear bumper covers. My concern is with going around the corners and staying flat and not bunching up.
I haven't tried it on the chrome strip on the 87-88 bumper covers as there is no need to. The chrome strip is replaceable, unlike the strip on the rubber moldings between the wheels. I'll just end up installing a new chrome strip in the front and rear bumper cover after the car is painted in a couple of months.
Title: Re: Chrome on Side moldings
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2020, 10:51:52 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2020, 10:51:52 PM
Yup. Front and rear bumper chrome is replaceable. Just peels right off.