Side Exhaust Restoration

[ronnie robertson # 36786]

Can anything be done to improve the looks of old side exhaust shields. Can pitting and scratches from rocks thrown up from the tires be sanded smooth and the aluminum polished again. Are there professionals who do this?
Thanks

[Joe C.]

Re: Side Exhaust Restoration

Ronnie:

I have done it for my 1965 two years ago,when the reproductions were not available. It is VERY labor intensive, but the results are striking.
You must first have any remaining anodizing stripped off- most plating shops can do this. At this stage it is a lot of polishing, painting, and clearcoating (as a substitute for the clear anodizing).
Since the reproductions are again available, you might want to invest in a new set of covers.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: Side Exhaust Restoration

Ronnie:

I have done it for my 1965 two years ago,when the reproductions were not available. It is VERY labor intensive, but the results are striking.
You must first have any remaining anodizing stripped off- most plating shops can do this. At this stage it is a lot of polishing, painting, and clearcoating (as a substitute for the clear anodizing).
Since the reproductions are again available, you might want to invest in a new set of covers.

Joe

[Chris Burbage]

Re: Side Exhaust Restoration

Who makes/sells the most "accurate" reproductions?

Thanks,

Chris

[Chris Burbage]

Re: Side Exhaust Restoration

Who makes/sells the most "accurate" reproductions?

Thanks,

Chris

[Joe C.]

Re: Side Exhaust Restoration

Chris:

I am fairly certain that all currently available reproductions are made by the same manufacturer, and are advertised with the "GM Restoration Parts" badge, which, as I understant it, means that they are reproduced under license from GM, using original tooling. Now, you must understand that original tooling does not guarantee a high quality part. The quality of the part is directly proportional to the condition of the tooling, which is old and, in some cases quite worn out.

I am sorry, but I do not know the manufacturer of the current reproductions, but I am sure someone else on this Board can help you with that.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: Side Exhaust Restoration

Chris:

I am fairly certain that all currently available reproductions are made by the same manufacturer, and are advertised with the "GM Restoration Parts" badge, which, as I understant it, means that they are reproduced under license from GM, using original tooling. Now, you must understand that original tooling does not guarantee a high quality part. The quality of the part is directly proportional to the condition of the tooling, which is old and, in some cases quite worn out.

I am sorry, but I do not know the manufacturer of the current reproductions, but I am sure someone else on this Board can help you with that.

Joe