What is the correct term for the surface finish of the wide aluminum side trim that runs the length of each side of the 1962 Starfire? Was this trim ever painted on an original car?

 

anodized.

 

They have different colors that can be applied as well as the satin (shaved ice look) of the side trim on your Starfire. The shop should be able to duplicate it from the current parts you have.

From my research it is a very costly adventure and you don’t want whoever completes the job to mess up the fine lines that are in the side trim.

Try this for REPROs
http://www.jaswest.com/

 

The correct term is embossed lines and they are pressed in,the finish is satin clear anodizing,however if you choose to do this the eching process will eat or remove the silicone in the panel as well as take away the height of the lines .The material is not pure aluminum and the acid will leave a cloudy finish that looks like a blemish in the material or stain.
I know this because I remake these panels for your 62 as well as 61 and 63,if you want more information let me know.
Steve
jaswest@attglobal.net

 

With Steve making these panels, I think they're the way to go even if they do appear expensive at first. Time you've messed up an original set which might still be expensive, you'll come out ahead (and Steve will have a reason to keep making them for us! now if I could just talk him into repopping 1964 taillight panels...).

 

Not that I begrudge Steve from making a profit on his reproduced panels (I did add his link) but if one was going to have them redone I would have to say that the customer would need to protect their interests and money with a contract stating that the parts are completed as agreed upon with specifications for finish and ensuring the fine lines – sorry correct term “embossed lines” are maintained…

Sorry but new trim panels can’t be the only option for restoring ones trim.

Now don’t get worked up into lather over my response it is not meant to start a fight, just an observation.

Ben

BTW the panels you make are nice!

 

Thanks Glenn and the rear panel on both the 61 and 64 are worth looking into and as soon as I get one I'll have a better understanding of whats involved.
Steve

 

Steve, I have been looking for an NOS 64 tailpanel for the 27 years I have owned the blue 64 and have concluded that the thing is made of unobtainium. The only one I've ever found was damaged in storage and would have looked as bad or worse than the one on the car.

They have stamped taillight openings and OLDSMOBILE lettering riveted to them. Doubt it would be a simple reproduction, but it sure would be welcome.

At least the 61 could also be marketed for Ninety Eights.

 

Sorry to tell you this Rocketraider, in the late 70's Mike Fusick used to send me hand written NOS parts lists he had on hand (I was very involved with '63 Starfire and "98" convertibles) on one of his lists he showed a '64 S/fire rear panel for $185. Of course I grabbed it as I always intended on someday finding a nice '64 rag with the white interior. But, I just had this thing for the '63's so, thats where I concentrated my money on. I traded it to a local guy in Lansing for some extra nice '63 stuff and here is the tragic part. He sold it to a guy in California and the part got wrecked in shipment. I was just sick when I heard that. The special rivets that attach the letters was very trick! I did have one and it was cherry!

Regarding the aluminum side trim, I purchased 2-sets /

1963 from Steve after scrapping together assorted NOS pieces over the many years. I am extremely picky regarding my '63s and his trim is very very nice. I compared it to the NOS and it has the exact same shean and rib count. GM called the trim "extruded aluminum". I wish I could get Steve to make some for the '62 J/fire I now have.