rear window chrome? molding

[id_soso]

I have a black 1978 anniversary. Paint is good but the rar window strip which looks like it was factory painted is chipped and looks awful. Half chrome/aluminum and half black. What is the best way to fix this.

 

[billybob]

What I would do personally,

Strip the rest of the chrome off, as your going to need a nice clean working surface.

Get some primer and Chrome spay paint cans, should be available at your local auto shop. Just make sure to use the recommended primer with the Chrome paint.

Once you've painted it up, and its nice and dry, buff very lightly and put it back in. I did the same thing with the front grills on sleeper, not perfect but at the same time sure was alot cheaper then buying the aftermarket parts.

Seriously though you can only tell the difference upon close inspection, which they shouldn't be able to if you drive fast enough

Bill

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome id soso!

I always enjoy seeing other '78s!

On my 78SA, the back pieces around the rear window are chrome, but the pieces on the windshield pillars appear to have been painted black...I have some primer and black exterior trim paint waiting for a rainy winter weekend.
You may want to consider painting your rear trim pieces black, to blend in more.

What are everyones thoughts on this?
What WAS original?
Heidi

 

[Yoda]

I know the 78 Pace Car came with black molding strips around the back window, I'm not sure about the others, my guess would be they all did.. I also know the 1980's all had black moldings as well as the all the 1981's.

To paint the molding, I would tape off the molding use a very fine grade of steel wool and clean and rough up the chrome surface, then use a satin black paint, the paint was not a high gloss. You local Chevrolet Dealer may be able to document the Correct Black Paint with a paint code.

You may find a lot more information on your '78 at the 1978 Corvette Registry

Good Luck, and enjoy the ride!

 

[Dave L.]

Window Reveal Mouldings:78-82

79-82 all models except 82CE,use the same flat black moulding.However,in 78 there was 2 types available.The black(2nd design)and the plain aluminum(1st design).
Just a little info if you are interested.

Dave

 

[id_soso]

1978 window trim

Thanks for all the input regarding the rear window trim. I did more research and went to a couple of body shops.
It is more work than it is worth for them to do and basically said the same thigns everyone else said:
1. You can't get replacements
2. Best bet is to steel wool and then spray paint myself
3. Choice can be either as there were two styles one painted one chromed.
Originally this should have be anodized as painting chrome is a poor way to have done this,
So I guess I know what I will be doing this week-end.

Thanks for all your advice.