Project Evolution *** Project Complete **** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Topic: Project Evolution *** Project Complete **** Wednesday July 9, 2014 (Read 1160989 times) previous topic - next topic

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2415 – July 17, 2010, 08:30:44 AM

Quote from: jcassity;328532

are you dropping in some trim inside the molding?

I am. Just have to find the correct 7/16 chrome that's close enough to match the original shape. looks like a winter job to me after its buffed.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2416 – July 17, 2010, 09:10:45 AM

i know you can get some chrome trim at the parts store. it comes in different sizes and its in a roll. but i don't know if thats what you want.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2417 – July 17, 2010, 03:45:07 PM

yea, I was looking at some chrome trim profiles, and they all seem to be half oval. I'm in no hurry. I'll keep looking.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2418 – July 18, 2010, 03:06:50 AM

Quote from: Cougar8775;328536

i know you can get some chrome trim at the parts store. it comes in different sizes and its in a roll. but i don't know if thats what you want.

Chrome trim at the parts stores is not always the best. I have used this stuff on a couple of cars, including my former Ford Escape and around the grille on my current Mustang. That stuff crinkles and seperates after a short period of time. With my new Mustang I have to replace it every few months so it looks right. I would certainly try a high quality supplier off the internet.

Even the chrome trim that was OE supplied on 1996-97 Cougar bumpers was not high quality as the thin chrome foil started lifting and crinkling already brand new out of the package.

Anyway, when it comes exterior refinishing time on my Bird I have to consider what I want to use for protection and accent because I think plain just looks too bare and base stripper model looking because the bodysides are rather slab sided, unlike my Mustang which has sculpted contours. The grooved lower body side lines on the 83-85 cars make it look like something is missing. Also thin standard moldings like those OE on the same year Cougars seem to look base model to me.

However ic's black kitty looks really clean and nice without the molding and I think it is because the lower bodyside lines were simplified for the 87-88 models.

I have seen nice aftermarket moldings recently which are body color paintable but has a chrome strip running exactly middle and centered. Of course there are the chrome inserts available that are top set as well.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2419 – July 19, 2010, 09:27:46 PM

I'm thinking about covering the chrome strips with a brushed aluminum vinyl covering. It would match the wheels and other parts I painted. if that doesn't look right, then I'll use a chrome vinyl to recover the old chrome. I really like the shape of the original chrome strips that were on the car.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2420 – July 20, 2010, 12:46:47 AM

Quote from: daminc;328871

I'm thinking about covering the chrome strips with a brushed aluminum vinyl covering. It would match the wheels and other parts I painted. if that doesn't look right, then I'll use a chrome vinyl to recover the old chrome. I really like the shape of the original chrome strips that were on the car.

It's worth a try to see how it looks.

My challenge will be how to balance the earlier rear bumper cover strip with the newer front bumper cover installed. I am wondering how far off and different the 1987-88 rear bumper cover is compared to the 83-86 one. I may experiment with one to see if it can possibly be trimmed, modified or adapted in some way. The 87-88 body side moldings do seem to hold up better over time than the 83-86 ones. Which reminds me I shoud have grabbed the plastic front fender to bumper cover moldings on a TC I seen. I wish they were made of plastic like this all around.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2421 – July 20, 2010, 08:10:53 AM

Quote from: daminc;328871

I'm thinking about covering the chrome strips with a brushed aluminum vinyl covering. It would match the wheels and other parts I painted. if that doesn't look right, then I'll use a chrome vinyl to recover the old chrome. I really like the shape of the original chrome strips that were on the car.

Use 3M DiNoc and it won't peel.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2422 – July 20, 2010, 09:09:24 AM

thats basically what i did to my 20th, i used vinal electrical tape though but used "sunburst" gold spray.

its in the body / appearance section.

no one i know of has found the correct molding yet. i've found much molding out there but nothing like ours. not sure what its called but it sure as heck isnt any of that half round stuff.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2423 – July 20, 2010, 07:41:51 PM

I used what I had from Aerobird Motorsports (way back when).It was really good stuff.It had the right shape to it.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2424 – July 20, 2010, 07:45:53 PM

Yes, the shape is the key. ours are more rectangle.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2425 – July 20, 2010, 07:56:50 PM

I'm doing some searching.....Mine is 7/16 wide.I'm checking some on Ebay right now.Stay tuned.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2426 – July 20, 2010, 08:19:08 PM

I can get you a pic later of just the chrome strip 7/16 x 3/8 I think

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2427 – July 31, 2010, 10:58:50 PM

more putting back together. finally found my door locks after 2 months of searching. lol

had to do a little fine tuning to get them in.

then I had to seal the edges so they don't rust

then to open the door panel copuppies.

yeah, I know... these ratty old things. lol

a little radiant foil first.

and... back together

also found all my books and info in the map pocket

also found the tag that was on my windshield.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2428 – July 31, 2010, 11:03:55 PM

Beautiful.The red and black look great together. I am surprised you didn't get a set of the red Sport style seats,though. I have a question...what kind of tweaking did you have to do for the outer door handles? I'm about to install new ones on the Sport.....again.

Project Evolution * Project Complete ** Wednesday July 9, 2014

Reply #2429 – July 31, 2010, 11:11:36 PM

I actually had to drill new holes because they were to high for these handles. also a little reaming in the slot along side the handle. nothing to serious.

as for the seats. it's tough to find anything that's even close to the condition of my seats. they're also very comfortable and feel like they did when the car was new.