1981 Rocker Panel Moldings
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
1981 Rocker Panel Moldings
What was the scoop on rocker panel moldings for '81? It looks like some cars came with black and some with polished aluminum. What was the story on this?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,914
Likes: 229
From: Oakbank Manitoba
Nope...in 1980 the panels were matte black with the top section (lip) being bare polished aluminum.. In 1981 and 82 the panels were all matte black. Some guys removed this black coating to expose the raw aluminum look. They would also do this with the trim around the windows.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 10
My 81 were originally black, unless the first owner changed them. I have to say I am really torn on this one. I saw a post last week with a 80-82 where the owner changed to polished or chrome.....love it....but I think black accentuates the "hour glass" look to the body. Yes, the mirrored T tops seem to balance out.....but I am not sold yet. Anyone have a pic of a red 80-82 with chrome rockers handy??
I also thought about a chrome filler strip to insert or attach in the slot where the screws go. A piece of 1/8 aluminum stock could be cut down to fit the slot, holes prepped for flush stainless allen heads, and polished / cleared. This would add some flair....but might not look right.
I also thought about a chrome filler strip to insert or attach in the slot where the screws go. A piece of 1/8 aluminum stock could be cut down to fit the slot, holes prepped for flush stainless allen heads, and polished / cleared. This would add some flair....but might not look right.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Binnie77
Here you go. I have had them all
1981 original. All Black
Here are 1980 Version. I liked the alluminum trim
I always like the look of 1977 rockers so I turned my 1980 into 77. Note you cant order 1977 and put them on a 80-82. For some reason the 80-82 are bout 2 " londer than 77 and 78. I tried it
Here you go. I have had them all
1981 original. All Black
Here are 1980 Version. I liked the alluminum trim
I always like the look of 1977 rockers so I turned my 1980 into 77. Note you cant order 1977 and put them on a 80-82. For some reason the 80-82 are bout 2 " londer than 77 and 78. I tried it
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 10
Boy that black is sweet. Love the black line. If they were not so $$ I would just get another set to polish. I am leaning towards pulling mine, stripping and polishing. It works with the mirror tops for sure. Thanks a ton for the pics!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
If you ever want to go back original, just paint the whole rocker panel again.
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