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Chrome trim removal/delete tips and tricks?

8.4K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Kbrink  
In anticipation for the paint job I'll be having done in the coming weeks, I'm going to begin work on removing all the chrome trim on my Conquista trim level '82 and filling in the holes left behind. For those who have done it, are there any tips you can give on going about it?
After the trim and retainers (clips) are removed you will have some T shaped studs and holes where the screws were. The T studs are the easiest to get rid of. A small grinder will take care of that easily, just be careful and only remove the stud and don't grind into the metal around them. I have removed them with a vise grip and twisted them off before but sometimes will leave a hole. The holes where the screws were are the biggest problem. The best way to fill them is by welding them shut. You can sink them slightly with a hammer and cover them with body filler but they will one day show up again, if garage kept, could be a while...as in months/years. After everything is ground down a skim coat of body glaze will get it ready for primer. That is after the surrounding paint has been "feathered" out with a dual action sander (D/A) That's when your painter will take over. If you have some questions just hit me on PM. I'll try to help as much as possible.

Joe
 
Thanks for the info. I was thinking about just putting filler over the holes but I could give it a try welding up the holes. The biggest issue I've come into with this car is just how thin the sheetmetal is to weld on. Hopefully the doors will be a bit better.
A MIG welder works best with .023 wire, if it has .030 it's harder to fill because it takes a bit more heat. Either will do the job. I do suggest trying on some scrap sheet metal to build up your confidence. If the hole has access from behind a small piece of metal will help to weld to and fill easier (just don't hold it with your finger!). On the doors it's easier to weld the structure from the inside and then fill in the outer side. Work slowly to keep down the heat and minimize distortion. Good luck!

Joe