C1 58-62 Fender Top Stainless Restoration

[Richard M.]

Hi,

I have the 2 originals for my '62, but the backside metals are rusted out with most studs broken. Can these be replaced? Has anyone ever done this before? The SS is in good condition, with a few dings, so it could be repaired with the backside metals off. It looks like the metals are inserted before the SS gets crimped on it's edges. They are in a "pointed" shape to aid removal and insertion I'd think.

Rich

[John M.]

Re: C1 58-62 Fender Top Stainless Restoration

Rich,

The backing plates can be removed fairly easily. You will need to grab the big end of the plate with a pair of needle-nosed visegrips, clamp the vise grips in a vise, and tap lightly on the end of the stainless. A lot of times, you can just grab the trim with your hands (wear gloves), and pull it off. You may need to very slightly bend the flange that goes under the headlight door to allow the strip to pass the end, but not always. You have to remove the backing plate to ping out dents and polish the trim. As you noticed, the trim is tapered, and once it moves a half inch or so, it slides right out! I have restored many windsplits, and it is a time-consuming job, but it can be done.

DO NOT, under any circumstances, ever try to buff on a windsplit molding without the backing plate being installed. this is a surefire way to wad up a molding that you have invested lots of time in. I install the backing plate and bolt the trim to a long piece of angle iron prior to buffing. This makes it impossible to catch and edge on the molding and wad up the molding.

Regards, John McGraw

[Tracy C.]

excellent post *NM*

[Richard M.]

C1 58-62 Fender Top Stainless Restoration

John,

Thanks! Those are great ideas. Also, unfortunately the backing plates are not reusable as they are severely rusted away in spots. I will have to get or make new plates. Are there any suppliers out there?

Rich

[Dennis C.]

Last time I checked, the reproductions are...

...excellent. Maybe, if you can locate, the reproducer would sell you a set of backing plates. If not, buy the repros, take a long look and think about just installing them. Feel free to reject this line of thinking...

[Richard M.]

C1 58-62 Fender Top Stainless Restoration

...rock and a hard place I know. But I'm one of those diy types and hate to waste things. We'll see. I actually located a pair of nos today so that's in the picture now too. Good info on the repros though, thanks. Decisions, decisions.....

Rich