advice for restoring A body aluminum trim- In the Pacific Northwest

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If you're worried about shipping long trim pieces, wrap in newsprint and put them inside some PVC sewer pipe, duct-tape the ends on, and send it.
 
If you're worried about shipping long trim pieces, wrap in newsprint and put them inside some PVC sewer pipe, duct-tape the ends on, and send it.
You would think that they would be completely safe that way, right? I sent a driveshaft via UPS one time. Slid it into a PVC sewer pipe and even capped the ends with PVC. Not only did UPS break the sewer pipe, but, bent the driveshaft at about a 30 degree angle! So much for my most bulletproof package I ever made. And yet, I've received a huge wraparound back glass just wrapped (poorly) in a blanket and tied on with twine. All 4 corners were sticking out of the blanket, and it came through without a scratch. You just never know.
 
Commando66 thanks for the post... I am all ears for where to find nice front and rear trim for a 68 barracuda.
I have not found anyone yet in the area who either does this work or has nice pieces available.
...and yes I would prefer the aluminum be re- bright-dipped (anodized)
 
Dana does beutiful work but doesn't usually have them reanodized. Here is cudachicks post with his contact info

Barracuda Grill surround and head light bezel restoration

He DOES do amazing work, but he also has a day job. As far as I know he isn't taking anything on right now. I'll text him a link to the thread to see though.

Here's a pic of my trunk trim ...

69496_466127228511_3054322_n.jpg
 
thanks for the reply jonn6464. I am a control freak but know my limits... I am not sure I have the patience to learn the techniques but you are presenting a persuasive case. I may have to break down and find some spare trim to 'experiment' with and see what damage I can do trying to do a piece myself.

-I am not looking for perfect but I am a fan of restoring to factory original- so it is not only the straightening and polishing that I am interested in but also the anodizing for example. Would be good to find someone who has all in house. I learned at the age of 12 that I could buy my dream bike one component at a time but that I would be far better off if I did it as a complete bike instead- the package is usually more cost effective... And often saving a buck doing part of the work is not a real savings when you have to send it out to do the refinishing steps that require specialty chemicals/processes (anodizing etc)

'King of Trim' does it all. You may not like the prices, but it'll be done correctly.
 
Call what's his face in Springfield, OR...they ship out their trim to an outside shop.
 
'King of Trim' does it all. You may not like the prices, but it'll be done correctly.

These guys could straighten and aluminum can that has been stomped on, and you wouldn't be able to tell it was ever crushed.

They are not cheap, but their work is world class concourse level. I was quoted over $4k to completely restore my '68 front grills and surrounds.

I ended up having them restore my crushed surrounds and polish the chrome parts. I painted and assembled the parts, and it was just over $2k. Their work quality on the parts was jaw droppingly beautiful.

Although it was expensive, these one-year-only parts are now made of unobtainium. There are some cores out there, but I doubt even NOS stuff is as nice looking(if you could find it).
 
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I got a reply from Dana yesterday. He's finishing up a couple jobs right now but it appears he may have some time to devote soon. Shoot him a message and get on his Waiting List -- it fills up quickly once the word gets out.

PNWCudaman@gmail.com
 
Look on you tube, "Cuda Cody" has real in-depth video, on straightening and polishing mopar trim.
He made it look easy, but it is time consuming.
 
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