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3/28/2022 9:23 PM  #1


First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

The lower grille trim was badly dented.  I did my first ever repair of aluminum trim and painted it to sort of match. I doubt it will be noticeable.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

3/28/2022 9:41 PM  #2


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Nice work, MS...as usual.  I did all the stainless on the Heap but I expect 'lunium is more difficulter.
 

Last edited by Bullet Bob (3/28/2022 9:43 PM)


"you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
 

3/28/2022 11:19 PM  #3


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Ditto. Really nice work Steve. I'll wager lunch that stainless is much more difficult than aluminium. I too like Steve, pounded out dents on that same trim.


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

3/29/2022 9:13 AM  #4


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Nice work!  One of mine were dented pretty good and I just bought  a replacement.  

 

3/29/2022 9:23 AM  #5


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Looks good.
 


Mustang Steve Bash in Gruene, Texas September29-30, 2023
 

3/29/2022 10:18 AM  #6


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Looks good, nice job.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

3/29/2022 10:32 AM  #7


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Explain the process a bit.  That looks pretty decent.  That might be an option for some trim that borders on the unobtainable, like the trim around the inside of my Galaxie, which a PO painted gray.


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
 

3/29/2022 11:12 AM  #8


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Looks good to me.


If this forum can't fix it, it isn't broke.
 

3/29/2022 11:20 AM  #9


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Watch OverHaulin to see how Foose does it.  That is where I learned.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     Thread Starter
 

3/29/2022 12:02 PM  #10


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Steve69 wrote:

Nice work!  One of mine were dented pretty good and I just bought  a replacement.  

Oh, I bought replacements too, but even with the best from NPD the fit was crap.

For tools I rounded off the edge of a metal chisel, and made another from wood. I then placed the molding upside down on a piece of wood and tapped lightly moving the aluminium back into position. Once it was pretty close I marked the outer surface of the dent area with a sharpie, then hit it with sandpaper to show the areas needing more work. Since I had applied a brushed finish to my other trim pieces I did the same to these using Scotch-Brite pads and wd-40.


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

3/29/2022 12:19 PM  #11


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Bearing Bob wrote:

Steve69 wrote:

Nice work!  One of mine were dented pretty good and I just bought  a replacement.  

Oh, I bought replacements too, but even with the best from NPD the fit was crap.

For tools I rounded off the edge of a metal chisel, and made another from wood. I then placed the molding upside down on a piece of wood and tapped lightly moving the aluminium back into position. Once it was pretty close I marked the outer surface of the dent area with a sharpie, then hit it with sandpaper to show the areas needing more work. Since I had applied a brushed finish to my other trim pieces I did the same to these using Scotch-Brite pads and wd-40.

That's essentially how I did all the stainless trim on the heap using a very light touch.  Then with a hardwood block, sand the outer surface smooth to a 600 or better finish, then polish on a rag wheel.  Can't polish on the aluminum, I don't think, as you're trying to match an anodized finish.


"you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
 

3/29/2022 5:53 PM  #12


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Looks pretty good to me.

I used these to clean up my 10 year old aluminum radiator during my a/c install.

I used the 2 finer grits for most of the work. They’re textured plastic (wire) wheels.

I used very light pressure during finishing process for a nice satin appearance.



 

3/29/2022 5:58 PM  #13


Re: First attempt at dented chrome trim repair

Nice job!


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

Board footera


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