C3 Sill Plates
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
C3 Sill Plates
Has anybody seen or know of a restoration method for the black and chrome plated sill plates. I didn't intend to do this but "as long as they are off the car...!). Masking and painting the black seems easy enough but what about the scratches and color of the "chrome".
Thanks for any advice.
BTW, Removing those 8 sill plate screws has got to be the #2 all time PITA activity. It ranks just behind unbolting and removing the power break booster. (At least for my 1977)
snakey
Thanks for any advice.
BTW, Removing those 8 sill plate screws has got to be the #2 all time PITA activity. It ranks just behind unbolting and removing the power break booster. (At least for my 1977)
snakey
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Now Frozen in Michigan
Re: C3 Sill Plates (snakey)
I don't think it would be worth trying to restore scratched sill plates. As I don't think one could get all the scratches out. I thought of this too.......and $20 gets you into a new replacement. :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 279
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Re: C3 Sill Plates (Stratos)
PITA - It's because it is a big trap for the water to collect under the plate, even with the rubber "water diverter" installed. Even if you remove the plugs from the frame under the sill the moisture remains. I had to soak the broken remains and then drill and retap all but ONE of the screws. Longest "easy" job I every started! I polished all the scratches out with stainless steel and aluminum polishing/buffing compound and then repainted the black areas. Looks like new....
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
Re: C3 Sill Plates (snakey)
Thanks for the replies. I give restoration a try before I replace.
In case anyone's interested, I solved my brake booster problem by rigging up the following:
3/8 socket speed wrench + 6" extender + universal joint adapter + deep well socket.
Works like a charm now.
snakey
In case anyone's interested, I solved my brake booster problem by rigging up the following:
3/8 socket speed wrench + 6" extender + universal joint adapter + deep well socket.
Works like a charm now.
snakey
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: C3 Sill Plates (snakey)
I would not try to get the scratches out: repros are reasonably priced and of a decent quality. Install with SS screws and anti-seize compound and you will never have a problem again.
