70-442-W30

Will I be looking for the next few years in order to find a good used set of these? If so, does anyone have any comments on the aftermarket providers? OPGI has them at $389.79 plus shipping. Seems a bit pricey to me. To those that used other sources, how did you like the quality?

oldspackrat

Several members on here probably have nice to real nice wheel well moldings. I'll check my stash, or check with Jensenracing77 maybe? I'm sure others may have them also.

deadeyejedi

i searched around craiglist and co for a while looking for a rear set for my 72 but ran out of patients and ordered a set from the parts place, they were one of the few companies that would sell them individually.as with most aftermarket parts they needed persuasion to fit .

2blu442

I've got extras too. They might need polished but I think I could come up with a decent set. When your ready I'd encourage you to try a parts wanted thread and try to find some nearby. The box wouldn't be heavy but still may be considered oversized due to the size/shape of the trim. John

70-442-W30

So what are we talking for money for a whole set? Anyone? Don't give me the old PM me for more info.

Checked with Jensenracing already and he said he might have a driver quality set, but I was looking for something better if I could get it reasonably priced. Plus you get to brag that they are on this car.

oldspackrat

If & when I have nice ones I like to get $35.00-$40.00 each plus shipping. Have not had time to check yet though.

My442

Professional ding removal and polishing runs about $75 each.

You can spend $500-600 for a restored set of originals.

The repops are lousy.

70-442-W30

Exactly how did these things get so dinged up anyway? If it is $500-$600 for a nice original set, then I don't see it happening for me...at least in the short term.

70-442-W30

That would be within budget. When you find them, post some pics.

scott_442

Here is another good source for them...

http://www.ros6872parts.com/

I think he posts on this site using a similar name.

70-442-W30

Thanks for the info. I will check that out.

My442

They get dinged up like all cars get dinged up......road gravel, shopping carts, etc.

$600 is for a fully restored set.

An unrestored set would be much less.

So, the choice is yours....unrestored car, use originals. Restored car, use the restored ones.

70-442-W30

$600 seems like a ripoff for metal working that probably lies somewhere in the skill level of novice to moderate. I would never pay that. Ever.

If Oldspackrat has his for lets say, $40 each that's $160. Plus the "professional" ding removal and polishing you mentioned at $300/set. That's only $460 plus shipping. Plus if one or two don't need much work then subtract some of the $75 off each. I'm willing to bet I can get a very good set of these on the car for less than $350 shipped and restored. Mostly because I'm hoping Oldspackrat is getting me some good ones!

droptopron

It goes w/out saying but keep an eye on EBay too. When I had my '70 Supreme convertible I got a set of the short ones there that were really nice. The guy spelled it the King's English (mouldings vs moldings) and I was the only one to bid on them. $75 + $25 to ship.

70-442-W30

Learning King's English right away. I'll even pay in £.

Hairy Olds

You obviously haven't been restoring cars for long.
You will get what you pay for. Quality aint cheap and disappointment comes easy.

70-442-W30

I have Jensenracing and Oldspackrat keeping the costs down. Don't be jealous.

Hairy Olds

Oh hell I'm not jealous, just stating fact.

70-442-W30

Well, I haven't been restoring cars for long...so I couldn't tell.

My442

He will learn.

Hairy Olds

I know I have is all I know.

70-442-W30

So nobody around here ever gets a deal besides full retail on used parts ever??? Got it.

Hairy Olds

I'm not talking about used parts. Restoring pieces can get expensive since the skill level to do the job right can cost a pretty penny.

70-442-W30

Well, I'll just have to let you know how it all works out. Time will tell.

Allan R

600 is not the metal working cost - that's the total cost of reworking and polishing a decent set of cores. (your parts and restorer time) It takes a lot more work and detail than you think, and contrary to what your opinion is of skill, it's not right either. A good restorer can however make it look easy to the untrained apprentice.

This is the right approach.

70-442-W30

I knew that on the cost. That's what I was saying was total and that I wouldn't pay the $600 for the finished product.

How is my opinion of skill needed to make these a great set not right? Polishing requires novice skill level. I can polish. Anyone can polish. Might take a while vs a pro, but it can be done rather easily...so novice.

Removing dents requires moderate skill. It's not like we are talking manufacturing parts for the space station or measuring and cutting a production part for the first time on a machine. I don't get where any level above moderate skill would be required, unless someone was trying to bring a set back from the dead. In that case why would they even purchase the set to begin with?

jensenracing77

I know many will disagree with this but I do not think the wheel opening trim was polished to a mirror finish when new like most restored cars are today.

My stainless guy is very good (and VERY slow) he only charged me around $900 for all the chrome and all the stainless on my car other than the bumpers and wheel opening moldings. I did not have the wheel opening moldings done. I left them more like they were and not a mirror.

Allan R

Ball is in your court. Go for it. Post back how much time and effort it took.

Eric, you're spot on. My car has NOS wheel opening trim and it's not highly polished, just as you state. BTW, neither are my windshield wiper arms.

70-442-W30

Look, I respect someone who has a skill in restoration, probably contrary to what you believe I think. I just don't think any highly skilled craftsman is going to have a set of these up on their wall bragging to their buddies how long it took them and how hard it was to do.

At any rate, something on my car does have something to do with Sean Connery and that is just the coolest.

Allan R

I get your point. I was just saying give it a go and report back. Personally, I think restoring stainless is an art form but that's me. If Eric, Scott or John can come up with some driver quality parts you're happy with, the whole thing is moot, right? Not trying to cause you any grief or problems here. I'm basing my comments on my own efforts to restore and polish stainless.

What on your car is 'Sean Connery' cool? I think the man is cooler than heck. Have you seen the mimics of his success? Have a look:

BlackGold

Remember that the stainless does not get covered by paint like body work. And every operation you do to the stainless stretches it, just like the original dent stretched it. You've got to somehow remove the dent and shrink the metal -- and you can't hide your work under filler or paint. In fact, you're going to polish it.

Moderate or expert skill? Semantics, I guess. Let's just say that if you're going to try it yourself you better get some extra pieces to practice on first.

My442

Nothing looks worse than old trim on a newly painted car.

If you redo the paint, then you might as well have all the trim restored.

And, no, you never get it as good as a pro.