Stainless steel side trim repair

[It's a D-A-T-S-U-N]

The side trim on my 70 SPL had 30+ years of dings and dents...just couldn't install that on my newly painted car.

Researched & found some good info here...http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/basics- ... 49012.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's the repair process I utilized...
Cut a piece of 1.5" diameter PVC in half, the inside curvature of the PVC pipe is a similar radius as the convex outer trim surface, bolted the pipe section to the benchtop.
Layed the trim outer face down on to the pipe section.
Carefully worked the dings & dents out with punches and rounded tip wooden dowels.
Sanded the outer surface with 320 paper & DA sander to find the high & low spots, then more wooden dowel work...then more 320 sanding...then rework...etc.
Finally when all looked straight, wet sanded w/400, then 800, then 1000, then 1500 (getting very shiny now) and finally 2000 wet/dry sandpaper.
Final polish with a Dremel polishing wheel and trusty ProHonda Metal polish!
Approx. 8 hours invested.

[S Allen]

Very good information and a great looking finished product. Thanks for sharing as I am sure others will find this very useful.

Steve

[spl310]

Very nice!

[Lars]

Great info! Been wondering if I had to send my side trim to a specialist, but now I am inspired to have a go my self

Thanks!

[Linda]

Very nice looking job on the trim. Did you use a cotton polishing Dremel attchment with the metal polish as the final step?

Linda
68 1600

[It's a D-A-T-S-U-N]

Lars,
Proceed cautiously with the punch and dowels.
It's fairly easy to create an outward bulge in the trim from applying too much pressure.

Linda,
A Dremel #429 1" Felt Polishing Wheel & ProHonda Metal Polish were indeed the final step.

Have Fun!