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Source for custom trim?

Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:36 am
by doc
I'm trying to get some "made to length" "polished" trim strips for my new door panels. Trim like on the exterior of a regular bug - down the sides/down middle of hood. About 1/2" wide, not very tall, hopefully with "finished" ends.

Does anyone know where I might find a source?

I have seen the plastic, cut it yourself strips (http://www.autoamenity.com/Body-Molding ... lding2.htm). This may be a solution, but I would rather use real polished metal strips.

Thanks,

doc

Re: Source for custom trim?

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:33 pm
by david58
Best bet there doc would be to walk around a salvage yard and located some that are on door panels. Mid 60's cars had them. Like a 1966 Malibu or Chevelle the ones on the rear door panels might just be the ticket.
Image
But look at this thread. After a little searching I found this.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... 98&start=0
FiremarshalBill wrote:Just curious, but how are the two plastic chrome strips on the inside door panels attached on my '70 vert? My door panels are fine, but the chrome strips are lookin' pretty scratched up. So, how do I get them off for replacement? Any suggestions?
FiremarshalBill wrote:I recently replaced both interior door panels, but they look rather "plain" as no manufacturer makes them with the two "chrome" trim strips. I also recently replaced the exterior chrome (polished aluminum) side strips on the outside and I'm wondering if I could use them on the interior door panels for a more finished (original) look? I still have the new plastic mounting clips used to secure the exterior side trim (the original clips didn't need to be replaced) and was wondering if these clips could be used to mount the old exterior side trim (which is in great shape) to the inside of the new door panels. Has anyone had any experience doing this?
Legacy wrote:FYI, if anyone is looking to purchase the fake chrome strip material you can get it at http://rodinteriors.com/panel-upholstery. They sell PVC chrome mylar accent molding that is 1/4" wild. Cost is listed as $21.95 for 10 ft of the molding.

Legacy

Re: Source for custom trim?

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:02 am
by doc
Thanks, David.

I have about decided to make my own. I'm deciding between 2 ways. First, is get aluminum sign sheet material, cut into 1/2" strips, drill/chamfer holes in appropriate locations, thead in small steel screws which gall to the thin aluminum and hold well, grind screw head to flat, polish bar to chrome finish and lacquer to maintain look. Screw heads show through, but look kinda cool, I think.

Second way is to make same bar and, rather than polishing, epoxy a thin material to the top, then polyurethane the whole business. I did one with a wood surface.

This is a fair amount of work but can be done with the most basic of tools.

Polished aluminum. You can see where the screws have been put in.
VW Trim 002.jpg
Here's the screws coming through the back. Even though they don't grip much, they seem very solid.
VW Trim 004.jpg
Small aluminum strip like above but with zebra wood epoxied to the front of the strip.
VW Trim 006.jpg
doc

Re: Source for custom trim?

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:45 pm
by JWP
Is this something that may work for you.

http://www.claytonmachine.com/interior-trim.html

Re: Source for custom trim?

Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:06 am
by doc
Interesting, thanks.

I wound up having my aluminum strips with brass screw inserts polished professionally. Cost about $100. They look pretty sharp!

doc