Advice on Trim for my '72 SWB

[Mapearso]

So, I am trying to figure out what to do for the trim on my 72 SWB that I am going to repaint

I have a complete set of nice, straight OEM trim. It is nice, but definitely NOT nice enough to put back on a freshly-painted truck

So my choices are

#1) Have the trim polished

#2) Buy Reproduction trim (I can't afford to buy NOS)

I am leaning toward #1, polishing the OEM trim (because I am skeptical of the quality of the reproduction stuff ... and it's pretty expensive for a complete set of trim!! )

For those of you that have had the OEM stuff polished, how did you repaint it? Is it worth it? Did it look close to factory original?

OR, Am I going to have to just bite the bullet and buy the reproduction parts?

Thanks FOR THE ADVICE GUYS!!

[Jurassic-1]

The trim is anodized from the factory. It looks good polished but requires work. It can get expensive. I think personally I would sell the old trim and purchase new from Mar-K They are pretty reasonable and occasionally run specials The quality is very good.

[leddzepp]

I used counterparts trim from the truck shop. Very pleased with it. Unless you are building a piece of garage furniture trailer queen truck that will never be driven, there is no reason to spend $$$ on Mar-K trim IMO. Member turpmcspray builds these trucks and had a great comparison pic of NOS, counterpart, and Mar-K side by side. The differences are negligible.

[Mapearso]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I used counterparts trim from the truck shop. Very pleased with it. Unless you are building a piece of garage furniture trailer queen truck that will never be driven, there is no reason to spend $$$ on Mar-K trim IMO. Member turpmcspray builds these trucks and had a great comparison pic of NOS, counterpart, and Mar-K side by side. The differences are negligible.

Thanks LeddZepp.

Truck shop trim runs about $600 plus tax for the upper and lower mouldings. figure another $100 for the tail lights and tailgate (I have the CHEVROLET band). So maybe $750 all in.

Anyone know what it should cost to polish the upper and lower trim, the tail lights and the tailgate???

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by Mapearso

Thanks LeddZepp.

Truck shop trim runs about $600 plus tax for the upper and lower mouldings. figure another $100 for the tail lights and tailgate (I have the CHEVROLET band). So maybe $750 all in.

Anyone know what it should cost to polish the upper and lower trim, the tail lights and the tailgate???

Yes, about $750 all in. If your trim is reasonably straight, take it to a metal restoration shop and ask for an estimate. It might cost less. I would not be afraid of going that route either, as that is what I did with my grille. It was $250 for that, and the grille looked better than NOS when I got it back.

[Mapearso]

Copy that. I'll be getting an estimate

I'd love to see pics of restored / repolished trim

If anyone has, please post!

Thanks!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Seems you can get away with $750-950 for reproduction. That's about $500 less than what you'd pay for NOS all the way around, excluding window frames and paint separator. But that's If you find a deal on every piece. The tail moldings are the most difficult to locate. Less the bezels that is, because they're everywhere.

I spent (2K (gulp)), but it was a convenience to get the upper and lower side moldings with hardware from one guy. Can't complain much. Other than a few items that didn't make the cut from various deals, which I'll sell later, all the way around is mint.

Word to the wise for NOS moldings, for anyone who cares. Don't make like dumb and open NOS molding packages with a knife. Leaves too much glue behind. They should be opened by pealing all the plastic away. Yep I learned the hard way.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Yes, about $750 all in. If your trim is reasonably straight, take it to a metal restoration shop and ask for an estimate. It might cost less. I would not be afraid of going that route either, as that is what I did with my grille. It was $250 for that, and the grille looked better than NOS when I got it back.

Good info.

[Mapearso]

If all goes to plan and I can find everything in my darn storage unit I will be getting an estimate on Saturday morning... I will post accordingly

[Mapearso]

So here's what I dropped off to get polished (see photo, plus the rear window trim). $700 for all of it.

Assuming the work is as recommended (they did my buddy's GTO.. and they've been in biz in the same location over 20 years) I think the price is good.

Plus, I just feel better about using OE parts and I'd rather give my hard-earned money to a local mom-and-pop business than a big(ger) retailer that sells repop stuff made in China

Of course once they are done I'll have to paint everything which will be an adventure!!

[leddzepp]

You chose wisely. I do not think you will be disappointed in the least. That is a fair price IMO.

[Tropical Snowstorm]

Can't wait to see the results!