C-3 Rear window trim 1978

[Michael M.]

A friend is repainting a 1978 non PC, non Anniversary Edition.
Only a small amount of black paint remains on the rear window trim.
How should trim be painted, black and chrome or all black?
Car is silver code #13.
Thanks,
Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Rear window trim 1978

Mike------

I believe that early 1978 used rear window stainless molding that was completely natural stainless. In other words, no black paint. I believe that later 1978, except pace car, used stainless trim that was "half natural and half black". With this design, the outer perimeter of the molding was natural stainless and the inner perimeter was black. I can't tell you exactly how wide the black band was, though. My recollection is that the width of the trim all the way around was about equally black and natural. 1978 pace cars used trim that was completely black.

For 1979, I believe that the fully black trim was used throughout, although some very early cars may have had the 1978-style molding.

Many 1978+ Corvettes with black or partially black rear window molding suffer from the exact same condition that you describe. The black paint does not adhere well to stainless steel and, apparently, if any primer was used to improve adhesion, it was not very effective over the long haul.

[Robert S.]

Re: C-3 Rear window trim 1978

Mike,

Joe's response and guidence is exactly correct. I'm the original owner of Chapter Top Flight '78 SA s/n#433XX6 late June build date which has the combination stainless and flat black on the rear window trim.

Bob

[Michael M.]

Re: C-3 Rear window trim 1978

Joe/Bob,
Thanks for the reply. Will paint black with the chrome outer trim.
There was just the slighest black left on one of the four corners. I tend to forget the details over time.
The car belongs to the original owner and is being freshen up after almost 30 years. Paint was not as bad as it could have been for silver, but deffinately time. I'm out of town but recall the sn. to be 34xxx range.
Thanks again,
Mike