Has anyone done this?

[dodgemahal]

I'm all set to reattach the side body molding to my 1973 Dart 4 door custom. Has anyone flipped these pieces upside down to get the shiny side on top, which would then be visually prominant? Weathering has caused the original top edge to turn dull and checkered. The only problem I see is that the beveled ends on the door pieces wouldn't follow the door edges. That might make it look goofy. See images. Thanks.

 

[RAT ROD AL]

Trim it to fit !

 

[dodgemahal]

Trim it to fit !

I really don't think I have a tool or expertise to get a clean cut like that of the OEM. Do you have a suggestion?

 

[RAT ROD AL]

Dremel.
Bench grinder.
Hack saw
Chain saw !!!!

 

[Tanker]

What is that trim made of? Can’t it be polished to restore the shine?

 

[dodgemahal]

I'm not sure. It looks like clear plastic coated chrome. The clear plastic coating is sun damaged-- minute cracks throughout. The other side is perfect.

Al, this is restoration. I don't want it looking like some hacked-up piece of cat poop.

 

[RAT ROD AL]

Is that the stick on type ?

 

[Bodyperson]

I'm all set to reattach the side body molding to my 1973 Dart 4 door custom. Has anyone flipped these pieces upside down to get the shiny side on top, which would then be visually prominant? Weathering has caused the original top edge to turn dull and checkered. The only problem I see is that the beveled ends on the door pieces wouldn't follow the door edges. That might make it look goofy. See images. Thanks.
View attachment 1716464455View attachment 1716464456

flip them side to side.

 

[Tanker]

If it’s plastic coated and the plastic coating has fine crazing and looks dull, you can carefully sand the dull surface with 1000 or 1500 grid wet sand paper and water, then finish up using a fine polish like brasso or similar. This assumes the plastic is thick enough to be sanded in the first place. If not, go straight to brasso and see how that goes.

 

[Bodyperson]

I have to think new moulding can be bought by the roll. Something close anyway.

 

[Bodyperson]

Id fore-go the whole idea. No mouldings.

 

[dodgemahal]

Is that the stick on type ?

Yes.

 

[dodgemahal]

flip them side to side.

I tried that and got the same result that beveled ends didn't match the door edge, but ya know, maybe I didn't do it correctly. I'll try that again!

 

[dodgemahal]

If it’s plastic coated and the plastic coating has fine crazing and looks dull, you can carefully sand the dull surface with 1000 or 1500 grid wet sand paper and water, then finish up using a fine polish like brasso or similar. This assumes the plastic is thick enough to be sanded in the first place. If not, go straight to brasso and see how that goes.

Worth a try. I had wondered that. I'll let you know if it works. Thanks!

 

[Kendog 170]

Swap sides.

 

[dodgemahal]

Swap sides.

Thanks. See post #13.

 

[YY1]

Turn them upside down, and swap sides.

 

[dodgemahal]

Turn them upside down, and swap sides.

Thanks.

 

[dodgemahal]

No, it doesn't work to turn them upside down and swapping sides. I guess it work if you glued them upside down with the flat side outward, lol.

 

[Bodyperson]

No, it doesn't work to turn them upside down and swapping sides. I guess it work if you glued them upside down with the flat side outward, lol.

You could re-cut the angle and have them be a little shorter.

 

[dodgemahal]

No offense but that was already discussed in this thread. Great thought though!