1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

[Clark E.]

My original windshield end cap moldings (#3966601/2 are slightly pitted and require rechroming. Fortunately,the shop that replaced the birdcage and windshield did not replace the front screw on each molding and I was able to remove the moldings without first pulling the windshield. (Gotta wonder what else they didn't do.) Each molding has a slot on the end but there isn't a corresponding screw hole in the frame??

Only the top and outside end of each molding is polished with the back side facing the interior chromed but unpolished. I've researched the Driveline and could not locate an ad from a chrome shop to do this work. I'd appreciate recommendations relating to chrome shops that members have used and hopefully for this application.


Alternatively, replacement moldings are readily available from the parts stores but I prefer to re-chrome the originals if practical. Anyone had experience with the repos and if so, how do they stack up with the originals? Thanks...Clark

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

My original windshield end cap moldings (#3966601/2 are slightly pitted and require rechroming. Fortunately,the shop that replaced the birdcage and windshield did not replace the front screw on each molding and I was able to remove the moldings without first pulling the windshield. (Gotta wonder what else they didn't do.) Each molding has a slot on the end but there isn't a corresponding screw hole in the frame??

Only the top and outside end of each molding is polished with the back side facing the interior chromed but unpolished. I've researched the Driveline and could not locate an ad from a chrome shop to do this work. I'd appreciate recommendations relating to chrome shops that members have used and hopefully for this application.


Alternatively, replacement moldings are readily available from the parts stores but I prefer to re-chrome the originals if practical. Anyone had experience with the repos and if so, how do they stack up with the originals? Thanks...Clark

Clark-------


These pieces are manufactured from zinc diecast material (i.e. "pot metal"). You need to find a chrome shop that's experienced in working with this material. You need both restoration (because of the pitting) and rechroming. There are few shops that can do this type of work and I don't know of any. In any event, it's going to be expensive. Of that, I can assure you.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Hi Clark,
One thing that may be a problem with re-chroming originals is that there is a small 'tab' in the area of the casting where the nylon bushing for the top's front outer corner 'guide pin' is located that was originally not polished smooth before the plating was done.
This gives the chrome finish on that 'tab' area a subtle but very noticeable even textured, slightly dull, finish.
I've yet to find a plater who believes he can duplicate that finish.
Some of the reproductions I see don't exhibit that textured area either.
I'd love to know if there's a way to duplicate the finish.
Regards,
Alan

Librandi Plating near Harrisburg Pa. did a beautiful job on the castings for my 71, but couldn't duplicate the finish in that small area.

This picture shows the area of textured finish… the top surface of the 'tab' has it too.

[Clark E.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Thanks Alan...I compared my originals with your photo. The tabs you referenced on mine have a smoother and slightly higher quality finish than the rest of the front area but stop well short of the bright chrome finish on the top and end. I'll check with Librandi.


While we're on the subject I have a related question regarding the slotted hole on the end of each molding. The windshield frame does not have a corresponding screw hole on its end but the weather striping does have a hole about an inch from the top that appears to align with the slotted hole. The frame is part of a complete bird cage I found in California 5 years ago and used it to replace the badly rusted original on the car. Subsequently, When reinstalling the rear view mirror the other day, discovered the original mirror bracket still attached to the windshield frame is for a coupe. I don't know if this frame coming from a coupe relates to the fact that the frame does not have a hole at each end that matches to the slotted hole on the end of the molding.


So to my question...Does the top of your weather strip attach to the top end of the windshield molding via a screw that passes through the slotted hole and screws into the frame? Best...Clark

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Thanks Alan...I compared my originals with your photo. The tabs you referenced on mine have a smoother and slightly higher quality finish than the rest of the front area but stop well short of the bright chrome finish on the top and end. I'll check with Librandi.


While we're on the subject I have a related question regarding the slotted hole on the end of each molding. The windshield frame does not have a corresponding screw hole on its end but the weather striping does have a hole about an inch from the top that appears to align with the slotted hole. The frame is part of a complete bird cage I found in California 5 years ago and used it to replace the badly rusted original on the car. Subsequently, When reinstalling the rear view mirror the other day, discovered the original mirror bracket still attached to the windshield frame is for a coupe. I don't know if this frame coming from a coupe relates to the fact that the frame does not have a hole at each end that matches to the slotted hole on the end of the molding.


So to my question...Does the top of your weather strip attach to the top end of the windshield molding via a screw that passes through the slotted hole and screws into the frame? Best...Clark

Clark-------


The reason for the "textured finish" on portions of the moldings is that those areas were not polished prior to plating. Instead, they were left as-cast. In that case, the chrome plating will not appear "bright and shiny".

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Hi Clark,
Yes, the top screw on the a-pillar weatherstrip does have a screw that passes through that slot into the windshield frame.
In fact the top of the weatherstrip retainer is slightly 'notched to allow that to happen.
Regards,
Alan

This is my 71 coming apart about 20+ years ago. You can see the slight notch on it's top edge.

[Clark E.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Thanks Alan and Joe...Will send pictures to Librandi for an estimate. If over the top will connect with Paragon to check out their moldings. Best...Clark

[Clark E.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Hi Alan...The quote I received from Librandi was $140 each to repair and re-chrome which I didn't think was too out of line. The turn around time is 8 weeks. I did however, order a new set from Zip for $110 to compare them with my originals. The sections are GM restoration parts using the original molds from Trim Parts in Ohio. The GM part #'s and RH/LH markings are as original. The issue is the entire casting is bright chrome including the side facing the interior that is supposed to have that "textured" appearance as opposed to just the top and outside end as on the originals. They do however, look great but don't know how much of a judging deduction to expect.


Alan, you indicated Librandi had difficulty chroming your originals. The textured areas appear to be very similar to my unrestored originals. Was the picture taken before or after Librandi? Thanks...Clark

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Hi Clark,
The picture I posted first is of the original before I removed it.
The re-plated header corners are just beautiful, BUT, lack that 'textured' detail.
In restoring my car I always tried to use the original part if there was any way possible. So I'm living with the fact that the 'restored' corner is not quite what it was originally.
Regards,
Alan

Librandi does do beautiful work.
All the chrome plating they did for me is now 10+ years old and still looks terrific!

[Clark E.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Thanks Alan...The end section in your picture looks identical to the after market ones I purchased that also have little or no textured surface. I typically try to stay original whenever possible as well but this time will punt to the aftermarket due to the 8 week turn around time and the few hundred bucks involved that will for certain be spent on some other part.


Didn't realize your car is a coupe. My '70 is also red w/ black vinyl, black convertible top, red hardtop. I really appreciate all the great information you've shared over the last 4 years during the restoration. I'm getting close but have realized you're never quite finished. Best...Clark

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Windshield Corner Cap Moldings - Need Re-Chroming

Hi Clark,
A 70 convertible!!! Very Nice!
Aren't all Corvettes red with a black interior?
Invariably if I think I'm getting close to be 'finished' it's because there's something that needs attention that I don't realize yet.
Regards,
Alan