I just dropped off a set of OEM factory convertible header moldings to R&D Finishing to have them put a new factory finish on them. They ensured they know what the process was and how to archive a show dull finish. The cost is not cheap but it will be the correct finish and the correct moldings. The price is 500.00 for the set if any one is interested.

Harold,

That is indeed a bit pricey - especially on top of the price of new OEM moldings. It's true you get what you pay for. Will this be the partial chrome and partial brushed finish, which was on the 68's?

With that top down on a nice, sunny day it will seem worth it!
Bill

Yes it will be correct for the 68. It will be the Brushed (dull) finish top and (What I call the ears) that extend down onto the windshield trim will be polished.

I was able to pick up a couple of nice original sets with out any pitting. One set had a pretty nice finish to show the refinisher what I expected however he said he knew exactly what was needed.

Just so he doesn't do the 'Maro version...

What would that have been? They were not the same?

Please show them off here when you get them back, Harold.
.

For $500 their work better be DEAD ON. Please post pics when you get them back.

Not to cause trouble, but I showed a picture of my original '68 convertible header moldings that shows half dull (rear top) and half polished (front top) all the way across the top. Will yours be done like this Hariold or just the "ears" polished? Seems there were two types based on input from others as well. Here is the thread:

https://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=262671&page=1

There goes Dave, causing trouble again. So it seems we have a few versions of 'original' '68 to choose from.

50/50 - just like Dave's

Just like about everything on these 68 firebirds, seems there is always a 50-50 way in which something was done. They (finisher) will do it that way if you want. I was more worried about the correct finish rather then how much of the header is satin vs gloss. I think I'm fine with the whole header satin except the ears.

If someone can prove one way is correct over the other I could change my vote but I don't think it can be done.

I think you're right Harold. A lot of it was due to increasing governmental safety regulations that were just gaining momentum at that time. That, and parts availability, as GM would use up early parts before switching to new. The one-sided satin was obviously to reduce sun glare to the driver and passenger, while the shiny, chrome side would still be visible from the front, complementing the chrome windshield frame.

Speaking of safety regs, I distinctly remember the Pontiac salesman in January 1968 telling us that we should buy the car off the lot right now because if we waited and ordered from the factory we would probably have to have shoulder belts in the convertible. How inconvenient and costly that would have been! So, how many of you have shoulder belts in your 68 verts?

I got the header molding back. How do they look? I think the finish turned out pretty decent.

Harold awesome work! Where did you get that done at? Company link?

Thanks Marc, Here is the info in the first thread.

Nice!!

Look great!

I am getting ready to replace mine with some supposedly "correct" reproductions that have the "ears" chromed still. I started to disassemble mine before getting the new ones.... and wanted to wait until I got mine in so I don't tear anything up... Will have have to remove any of the windshield molding to do this? Any tips or pictures on removal/ replacement?

Thanks

Harold I forgot to ask but did they refinish the entire pieces? Meaning did they strip the moldings , rechrome, spray coating and then ship?

Thanks

Marc

Marc
There are multiple steps involved. They acid dip the whole header and repair any pitting that may be there. They straighten and take out any dings. They do triple chrome plating so, what I was told way that they do the regular steps like they do in re-chroming a piece of chrome. I was told they copper, nickel plate then they lightly blast the area needing dulled and then chrome over it. I had thought they would bead blast lightly after but that was not how they did it. There was a step after and I think it was the chrome step after the blast to protect the area blasted.

How long did it take?

I think they said 8-10 weeks. They gave me the time frame up front when they took it in.

I got the header molding put on last night. It's one of those task that you want done but just hate starting.

Looks great! Nothing fits like an original!

I had mine rechrome this past week by a place called the chrome shop located in my area, It was around $400 to do. I didn't
have the satin finish put on just rechrome. It took him about a week an a half to do. Looks good. Will be going on soon.

Harold,

Just saw this post after it was dug up again- that looks real good. Nice job!

I bought aftermkt satin , and within a year it started scratching off...I used opaint remover , took it all of , used the chrome...then I bought 67 visor knuckles (chrome , not satin in 67) and used to "whole" the picture...looked great