Hey guys, I thought I was being careful. What's the best way to fix this, so it's done when the time comes to put them back on? Headlight chrome on a '75 Valiant Brougham. Thanks!
Newbe with trim question.
- Thread starter Woody'sScamp
- Start date
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Riddler
Project EH-Body
Hmmm... There are a few options. They look like rivets or spot welds. You could try panel adhesive. OEM's use it to glue panels on cars now, mostly carbon fiber or fiberglass.
You could see about brazing them back in with lead or something like that...
Riddler
You could see about brazing them back in with lead or something like that...
Riddler
harrisonm
Well-Known Member
Riddler's idea might just work fine. I have another idea. Try some 3M two sided tape. Get the thin kind that is grey with a red plastic pull off strip. CLEAN up all areas, and apply tape. It sticks REALLY well. Lots of trim pieces on cars are held on with this exact same stuff. I bet it will hold for 20 years.
ScampMike
Despicable Damn Yankee
I bet the tolerances are very close on there - the 3M tape will probably work but will also add too much material between the trim piece and the clips - you'll end up with a gap. They appear to be more of a rivet than a spot weld and repeating a rivet is going to be damn near impossible. You're going to want to clean it all up REALLY good and then try to find some type of "glue" to put in there - panel adhesive, epoxy, Gorilla glue??? I'm not sure what would do it - tough thing for sure. I will say this - the trim does look like it may come apart there, (2nd pic looks like there are two pieces wedged together) so maybe there is a way to get in behind them to redo those rivets...?????
momoparman
MOISMYHOME
Epoxy glue for metal, will hold just fine. ^^^^^ Like he mentioned above.
First thing to do is clean them up real good, get out the magnifying glasses and see what I have. The epoxy glue sounds the easiest for me but, it will be awhile before the car is painted and ready for the chrome. Thanks guys for all the suggestions!
Woody
harrisonm
Well-Known Member
That will work. I would for sure use JB Weld. it costs a little more, but it might just be the best epoxy there is.
momoparman
MOISMYHOME
Sand the crap out of the mounting pad on the trim with 60-80 grit. Sand the back of the rusty tab with the same. Make sure the rust is gone on the surface you will apply the glue. Use Acetone or fingernail polish remover to clean. Epoxy will grab those scratches and never let go! The sooner you do them the longer they will have to cure.
Momoparman, thanks for the advice. I will do that. I haven't been able to look yet, but I assume you can't buy new tabs? I'm curious though, any ideas on where to start looking?
Thanks,
Woody
momoparman
MOISMYHOME
No new tabs, as they were manufactured for a specific assembly, and not reproduced as an individual part. Don't be afraid. I have repaired many parts like these over the years, and have yet to have one fail!
Thanks for the confidence boost! I'll start this weekend. How about the "plugs"? Just make new ones or some kind of sealer?
Woody
Woody
momoparman
MOISMYHOME
Plugs? If you mean the rubber washers, then yes you could make them, use an O-ring, or get some rubber washers at Lowe's or Home Depot.
You could also use some of that strip caulk as well.
You could also use some of that strip caulk as well.
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