1956-57 question

[Garry Barnes]

I have never been happy with the fit of my chrome headlight surrounds against the fiberglass headlight opening. I see alot of them that are nice and flush but mine are not. After closer inspection I see that the chrome surrounds have three 'feet" or nubs that sit next to the fiberglass that create a small gap. I know that the fiberglass is original but the surrounds are not. Are these nubs a manufacturing outcome of repops and need to be taken down, or are the originals the same way? How can I get them to seat against the headlight opening flush? As always, thanks!
Garry

[James F.]

Re: 1956-57 question

Gary,
I would say the "nubs" are the outcome of repops. I looked at my (judging by the condition) '56 original chrome surrounds (in a storage box) and there is no indication of ever being any "nubs". The present surrounds which I ordered from Chevrolet in the early '70's do not extend away from the fiberglass. I have to guess they are nubless as well. Hope this helps.

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1956-57 question

Jim, that's what I figured. I would guess the nubs were probably part of the casting mold that were left on and not finished off prior to plating. What challenges will I face in taking those down with respect to the chrome possibly flaking off? Maybe mask everything around them and take a grinder and or file to them? Any ideas? They are probably at least 1/8" long if not a little longer. Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1956-57 question

Gary: agree with jim. both originals and nors one i purchased from gm in the early 70s do not have nibs on the bezels.i'd file or grind the repro bezels to fit your front clip then send them away for re-plating. or find a set of nors. good luck, mike