Everywhere I've looked I've found that new rear window trim is no longer available. I cut out the old trim on this 1966 122 sedan and believe it's still straight, but the autobody shop guys who are painting the car don't think the dull, grey haze of old age is fixable. I was just told that aluminum is "polishable," but may need to have a plating shop do this. True or false? I'm hesitant to buy used trim, as the stuff is so bendable I'd be worried about it being bent and then having trouble with installation, etc. (so I'm told it can be difficult when bent). It would sure be nice to solve this, as the car's getting painted right now, and all the rest of the trim and chrome on its exterior is new or in decent condition, and seeing as I'll be reinstalling the window and new rubber gasket surrounding it in the next month, this would be the time to do it. Any tips or advice here?

Thanks very much,

hfav

You most certainly can polish it and doing it by hand (although very finger-cramping) is the best way... a buff in a motor can catch the piece and then it's good bye.

A product called simichrome works very well although I have used other buffing compounds with good results.

Get it very clean, if it is quite hazed then a light shot with 00000 steel wool will get most of the shine back then it is time for progressivly finer compound until it has the shine you want. Then clean it again and paint with a clear coat. Your body shop should be able to suggest a product that resists yellowing.

Biggest problem is if it has old clear-coat on it in patches. The old stuff must come off without using abrasive first or you will have major headaches.

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Mike!