Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Topic: Cleaning Up Side Molding. (Read 3240 times) previous topic - next topic

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

September 27, 2014, 10:21:16 PM

Got an 87 LX getting ready for paint, going for Midnight Blue. The car has the LX with chrome center trim. However, the chrome has mostly peeled off and the molding itself is very dull and oxidized. Any tips on cleaning up and reconditioning the semi-rubber trim? Can they be painted and if so, any tips for certain primers and paint? If I keep them, I'm thinking about keeping them black and going with midnight blue in the center.

Got a friend who would like to squirt the car, but he'd not sure about what to do with the trim and thinks it would look better with the side trim left off.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #1 – September 28, 2014, 12:16:38 AM

I had the same chrome on my trim. I just painted over it black. Used duplicolor trim paint. It looked great but it might need repainted :/

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #2 – September 28, 2014, 08:24:21 AM

I think someone on this site found a replacement for the chrome strip. I don't remember who though. Maybe somebody will chime in on this one. For the molding/trim try Meguiars products. They may have something. I used Color Back at one time but do not remember where I got it from. It worked well....

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #3 – September 28, 2014, 08:11:11 PM

I just used 3M vinyl tape that sign guys use. Apply, trim and remove the clear protection film.
PS: ....tried to upload more pics but won't upload....too big I guess.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #4 – September 29, 2014, 09:32:51 AM

glad to see this tape thing is spreading......

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #5 – September 29, 2014, 09:35:22 AM

btw,
everyone has silver by default under the clear pop on cover ford did.
the color is embedded on the underside of the clear cover.

leave the clear cover on,, its molded into the rubber parts of the car and very hard to remove and imho isn't worth taking off. just add the *high quality* tape over it.

on my 20th they don't make gold tape so imagine what I had to do to make tape work.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #6 – September 30, 2014, 12:35:47 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. At least I know they can be painted, but the tape idea is something I will definitely explore since most of the chrome strip has been removed by a pressure washer...yes, its that bad.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #7 – September 30, 2014, 07:21:04 AM

Quote from: ISTLCRUZ;438386

I think someone on this site found a replacement for the chrome strip. I don't remember who though. Maybe somebody will chime in on this one. For the molding/trim try Meguiars products. They may have something. I used Color Back at one time but do not remember where I got it from. It worked well....

That would be me. I have a guy local who carries it. I'll dig up the info later.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #8 – September 30, 2014, 08:16:43 AM

Quote from: QUICKSHIFT;438401

I just used 3M vinyl tape that sign guys use. Apply, trim and remove the clear protection film.
PS: ....tried to upload more pics but won't upload....too big I guess.

Got a part # for that stuff?

Anyway..... Here's the info on the other stuff.

The original manufacturers website
http://www.precisiontriminc.com/

It's gonna be the stuff listed as 7/16" -- the 200 series -- on the following page:
http://www.precisiontriminc.com/prod01.htm

They even have some installation instructions:
http://www.precisiontriminc.com/prod05.htm

Quote

Installation Instructions

1) Application area must be clean and dry. Remove any residue with a proper cleaner or degreaser. Clean surface with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

2) Cut molding to proper length using anvil type pruning shears or equivalent type of cutter.

3) Pull off 6 inches of red liner and begin to apply molding. With one end of molding adhered to surface, pull red liner away from molding as you apply the remaining length of trim.

Note: A. Apply molding in the proper position on the initial application. This adhesive has a very high bond and should not be repositioned.

B. Very Important: After pulling off the red liner, do not touch the gray adhesive with your fingers...hold molding by it's sides.

4) Use a roller to apply pressure along the entire length of the applied molding. Do this several times, you cannot use to much pressure. The palm of your hand can also be used when a roller is not available.

5) Allow molding 24 hours to set.

Contact info:
Contact Information

Telephone
256-593-2346
800-243-4402

FAX
256-593-2349

Postal address
P.O. Box 644
Boaz, AL 35957

Ship to Address:
507 Henderson Road
Boaz, AL 35957

According to a certain someone's web page that does not exist anymore:

Quote

#61 Super Red: Original 87-88 TC, 87-88
Blue Max Cougar trim color
#00 Chrome: Original 87-88 T-Bird, Cougar
trim color
#60 Super Black: Matches Black
#12 Brite White: Matches Wimbledon White
#96 Light Saddle Metallic: Matches
Sandlewood Metallic
#81 Daytona Blue: Matches Shadow Blue
Metallic
#22 Silver Metallic: Matches Silver Metallic
#65 Ruby Red: Matches Medium Red
Metallic

NEW trim piece color trim: Available in the original
87-88 TC super red and 59 other colors. Not exactly
like the original (slightly more round) but so close
it's nearly impossible to tell. Available as a "kit" for
enough to do a whole T-Bird/Cougar for $29.99 plus
shipping.

Now keep in mind the manufacturer WILL NOT SELL TO THE PUBLIC DIRECTLY!!!!!! I've confirmed this!!!! They will tell you who they deal with who might be close to you locally. For me it's the following:
Pauls Distributors - Contact Us

Pauls Distributors
Phone Number: 516.379.7070
Email: paulsdist@hotmail.com

Physical Address:
139 E Merrick Rd
Freeport, New York 11520

Website: http://www.paulsdistributors.com/index.html

Hope this helps!!!

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #9 – October 04, 2014, 07:32:03 PM

Quote from: QUICKSHIFT;438401

I just used 3M vinyl tape that sign guys use. Apply, trim and remove the clear protection film.
PS: ....tried to upload more pics but won't upload....too big I guess.

That stuff looks good. Any idea if it's available in chrome?

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #10 – October 04, 2014, 10:06:25 PM

Quote from: thunderjet302;438665

That stuff looks good. Any idea if it's available in chrome?

I don't know but I've bought chrome pin stripe tape in a 1/4" width. I used it to repair the pealing factory chrome on the plastic side marker/headlight bezel on my 4 eye. I'm sure any auto parts store as Auto Zone etc would carry it. Here in Canada, we find it at any Canadian Tire store. I think it's made by 3M as well.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #11 – October 04, 2014, 10:51:44 PM

Hmm I might try it on one piece of molding and see how it looks.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #12 – October 04, 2014, 11:26:14 PM

but paul,, we had this discussion years ago....
the hard plastic internal trim can be pealed back and replaced on the hard plastic molding parts only *but* the rubber molding isn't physically stuck on trim,, its made into the rubber....

this is back when I was prying away at the various areas of the rubber molding comparing to the hard plastic molding parts.. I noticed this and also noticed that under the clear cover all the cars I looked at had nice shinny chrome even if you had red center trim or gold.
My 20th anny has "chrome" center trim but gold was layered over it then a clear plastic cover.

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #13 – October 05, 2014, 08:04:37 AM

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=7%2F16+chrome+strip&_from=R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X11mm+chrome+strip&_nkw=11mm+chrome+strip&_sacat=0

use something like this on the front and rear pieces, and try the chrome tape on the rubber side door pieces

Cleaning Up Side Molding.

Reply #14 – October 05, 2014, 10:35:04 PM

Quote from: daminc;438693

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=7%2F16+chrome+strip&_from=R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X11mm+chrome+strip&_nkw=11mm+chrome+strip&_sacat=0

use something like this on the front and rear pieces, and try the chrome tape on the rubber side door pieces

All the easily replaceable chrome pieces on my car are fine. A couple of the door pieces look kinda py. If I find some chrome tape that looks good I'll let you guys know.