Chrome trim around back window
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 88
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From: Wyoming
Chrome trim around back window
I'm getting ready to clean up the exterior on my vette and I had a question about the chrome trim on the back window. Seems the owner before me decided chrome wasn't his color, so he painted over it with a flat black. There are parts where the black has chipped off and the chrome is still shiney, but I can't seem to get all the paint off. I was thinking paint thinner, but since I've never worked with fiberglass before, I'm unsure what the effects of paint thinner would be on the cars body. Any help or other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
ElSeano
ElSeano
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Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: Chrome trim around back window (ElSeano80)
I don't think the owner painted the chrome, I have a buddy with an 81 and his window trim is blacked out also. It was originally painted a semi-flat black, to look sort of like anodized aluminum. I think you can find paint at parts stores to repaint it back to black, if you want. If not and you like it chrome, you might try some DOT-3 Brake fluid on a cloth, then with your finger very carefully dab it on the remaining paint. DON'T GET ANY ON YOUR PAINT. Let is set for a while and then carefully try and rub it off. Then use Semi-chrome polish (it is slightly abrasive) and polish the chrome several times to see if it removes any small specs of the black that is left.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 304
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From: honolulu HI
Re: Chrome trim around back window (ElSeano80)
mine were also flat black..a little chipped and i didnt like the colour..i used steel wool (extra fine) to remove the paint and the look a lot sweeter now.. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: All in!
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St. Jude Donor '03-'10
Re: Chrome trim around back window (ElSeano80)
Yup...mine's black and chipping as well.
I've got a can of semi-flat black spray paint...I might just hit it with that one of these days.
I've got a can of semi-flat black spray paint...I might just hit it with that one of these days.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: new mexico
Re: Chrome trim around back window (ElSeano80)
My 79 had a flat black or semi gloss black. It was original from GM. Touch it up if you like or take it off, just becareful. My paint is lacquer, and is touchy what gets
on it. The Bowlling Green vettes used an enamel paint.
on it. The Bowlling Green vettes used an enamel paint.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 38
From: Long Island NY
Re: Chrome trim around back window (ElSeano80)
ELSean80, I'm assuming you have an 80 shark going by your name. If so, your vette's trim around the rear window should be painted black, along with all it's other trim. If you want it to be bright silver. Remove it....carefully. It will come apart. Two curved corner pieces that come off. Then all pieces will come apart. Just use any paint stripper with a medium grade of steel wool. Once all paint is off, wash parts off with fresh water, dry and apply a coat of metal polish and re-install. The whole process should cost about 5-6 bucks. Good Luck, L8TER, Paul.
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Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
Re: Chrome trim around back window (Vettesic)
Good advice. But get the tool to get the pieces off without damaging the plastic clips. Thus my earlier suggestion to get it professionally done. Or get the tool. If you break those plastic/nylons clips then you have a problem.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 38
From: Long Island NY
Re: Chrome trim around back window (paul79)
Here's how I got mine off.....Push on moulding outward, away from vette. This will clear the little hook that holds moulding. Then with a plastic spatchula lift up on the outside lip of moulding. You should hear a release. Do this all the way around. It worked for me. :D L8TER, Paul.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,076
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From: Dixie TN
Re: Chrome trim around back window (ElSeano80)
The 78 I used to have had black paint on the trim also. I took my car to an auto glass place and the guy used a tool for removing this. It took him about 2 min. I took the trim home and got the old peeling paint off. I used fine sand paper and steel wool. I think a paint remover would have worked much better and faster. I painted it black took it back to the glass shop. It took him about 2 min to put it back on. sorry about the long post. :conehead
