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GS rocker molding restoration/buffing

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by MullyClu, Jul 3, 2012.

  1. MullyClu

    MullyClu Well-Known Member

    I was told by stainless guy that the stainless used in manufacturing the rocker moldings is harder that the other stainless moldings on the car. He said that GM did this as the rockers would be subject to rocks, etc. hitting there. I was going to drop a pair off to him to restore but he didn't/wouldn't take them. He has been doing stainless for 20 years. He said that it is his experience after knocking the dents out and sanding then buffing that while buffing those places would bubble up. Anybody have any suggestions or know of a shop that does these? They are the 70-2 rocker moldings.

    Thanks,

    steve
     
  2. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    How badly are they dinged up? If just scratches, you can rub out the scratches with 00 or 000 steel wool and then finish off with either a buffing wheel or 0000. And, I never painted my rocker moldings. Tomato Red or black striping tape (1/4" or 3/16, I recall) will fit perfectly in the grooves of the molding and it's nearly impossible to tell the difference from painted stripes.
     
  3. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    I'd find another guy.
    Had mine polished last year and they're beautiful.
    More than likely he just doesn't want to mess with them being they're so long and hard to handle while buffing.
     
  4. Doo Wop

    Doo Wop Where were you in '62?

    Don't recall the name, but a board member here can really help you; in your case.
     
  5. Bob Palma

    Bob Palma Silver Level contributor

    Steve: You might give this young man a call: Georgia's Matthew Burnett.

    Matthew has been doing excellent work within Studebaker circles since an "old salt" trained him and handed an established business over to him in 2009 upon the older gentleman's retirement from polishing.

    Matthew would not take on something he felt he was unable to do, and you can see his work on his modest website:

    http://georgiastudebaker.com/starlight_stainless.htm

    Matthew probably has more positive references than you could check out in one afternoon. :bglasses:

    Best. BP
     
  6. cstanley-gs

    cstanley-gs Silver Mist

    that guy does amazing work!
     
  7. 2791 lark custo

    2791 lark custo Gold Level Contributor

    Most guys charge more to restore the old ones than you can buy the repos for. Get new!
     
  8. MullyClu

    MullyClu Well-Known Member

    Bob, I will give Matthew a call or email. I had also emailed a guy in New York that was recommended by a board member/ moderator and he shys away from them as well. I always wondered if the repos were decent or not?

    BTW, they aren't bad, but dents must be addressed before buffing and polishing.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2012
  9. Oldskewl59

    Oldskewl59 Gold Level Contributor

    Steve, the rockers are a much better quality than the other stainless trim. In fact, you can carefully tap the dents out and refinish them yourself. There are some threads on how its done. Might be worth a try and if it fails..send em out. I thought mine were history, but they came back really nice.
     
  10. Ken Warner

    Ken Warner Stand-up Philosopher

    Know of anyone selling the repro rocker panel covers.
     
  11. Duane

    Duane Member

    Year One used to sell them.
    Duane
     
  12. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    The guy who buffed mine had to sand them first as they take lots of abuse over the years. They came out nice however.
     
  13. ajesh35

    ajesh35 Well-Known Member

    I think mark reeves sells the repos
     
  14. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

  15. MullyClu

    MullyClu Well-Known Member

    Jim,

    He was the first guy I contacted by email. He said he tries to stay away from doing them now, but he said to call him to discuss.
     
  16. 2791 lark custo

    2791 lark custo Gold Level Contributor

    OPG, yearone, and the parts place, ebay Tamraz all have them I would guess good quality, but mine just needed a shine so I am buffing them out and yes it's a lot of work Had a guy give me a quote to restore and he wanted almost $300 each to buff and restore, Just checked my opg catalog and they are $363 for the pair
     
  17. SP4SPD

    SP4SPD Slideways in the streets!

    One of the big reasons shops are reluctant to polish these is that when you polish them with a buffing wheel you generate heat. When too much heat is generated on a thin, wide, long piece it tends to warp. I have ruined an otherwise nice rocker molding by pushing too hard on the piece and overheating/warping it.
    I'm sure that some of the professional shops have run into this and are not wanting to take on the liability of possibly replacing your part.
     
  18. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Steve

    I suspect only one place makes the repros. They are then sold by many palces. Maybe 10 years ago I bought some from YO. I suspect they may have commissioned their reproduction again. They were nice repros. I would avoid YO for the purchase because of their packing and shipping costs. Ask Reeves or David Walker what they charge shipped.
     

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