New to this. First time starting conversation. I know that the word wrap is not used often... I was wondering about chrome wrapping the interior window garnish for a 56 Ford Customline. Why , because I can't afford chrome prices. Just a thought. Or were they made out of aluminum and might be able to be polished up?
Nope, they're steel, no polishing here. As to the wrapping, don't waste your time. Or on 'chrome' powdercoat or paint either. None of these really hold up long-term or even short term for some, and won't look like actual chrome in any case. That stuff photographs much better than it looks in person.
A little filler to fill pits, if necessary, Prime and paint to match interior. I have had 2 cars with chromed garnish moldings and, honestly, they are distracting when you are driving, especially through tunnels.
I'm with Steve, 99/9999% of the time trying to pretend it is chrome with a wrap is going to end up looking cheap and tacky rather than nifty. Better leave that to that bunch that thinks sticking on shiny trinkets from the Autozone chrome plastic trinket aisle is customizing.
I've been doing some research on this because I'm likely going with the wrap route on my 39's bumpers - here's what I've learned from a professional shop: Chrome powdercoat isn't UV stable and will fade out eventually - even with a lot of touching- it gradually may lose its shine. but will hold up if not in direct sunlight, but it has what I can best describe as a (shiny side) tinfoil shine if it's done properly by someone with experience. Wrap: there's retail and commercial quality - you want the commercial quality that's done by a reputable shop, it can be several grades of shiny, from satin tinfoil shiny to mirror finish (I saw a few examples, even smoked chrome which looks neat) but you get what you pay for. I've seen (retail quality) wrap ****, but the professional quality I saw was very impressive. I agree on the spray paint - don't waste your time, it smear/dulls as soon as it's touched and clearcoating ruins the finish as well - don't waste your time. Interior moldings around gl*** - I'd consider painting it a complimentary interior color if you don't go with a wrap. Have fun with your car!
Thank you for the replies. Much appreciated. Nice to know that they are more of a distraction and so on. I will most likely paint them to match my steering wheel. I refinished my wheel in metal flake white pearl. And 2 k clear. Guess I'll have to order some more.
I’m with rockable, chrome in certain instances are blinding. Our old ot daily driver had chrome rings around the vents in the dash the two middle vents were high on the dash and the sun coming in would shine right in my eyes. Very distracting.
Definitely stay away from the fake chrome paints. The **** isn't worth the effort. Agree with the painting to match or compliment the rest of your car/interior.
Mirror chrome powdercoat does work and gives a good effect on smaller parts. They MUST use a 2 coat process that applies powder clear coat in a second op. Not all do this but if its done right you will get a good lasting finish.
Definitely hear you all. Don't want to get blinded by the chrome and start driving on the wrong side of the road. I'm going to leave my Green "Ford safety padded dash" on to cut down on the windshield glare as well. Keep the shiny on the outside.
As of interior color. ... I'm going to add some white. My car can go either of 2 ways. Change interior to match paint or paint car color to match interior...
Nice looking colour. Did you paint it? I don’t want to seem harsh but Magenta with a green interior? I suppose you could repaint the exterior or dye and paint the exterior. If you decide to remove the padded dash send me a PM as I would be interested in it!
If the interior is in good shape I'd keep it and paint the body. There is a thread on here for pics of '55-'57 Fords that has a lot of green varieties that you may like...
Will do Fortunateson. If I go the non green route. Magenta, purple, pinkish, or Maroon. The color is a mystery depending on the lighting. I did not paint it and it's a 20 footer paint job. Don't know the origins of the car. I got it in Nebraska and the previous got it from Iowa and the previous Texas? Pretty rust free and had CB radio and bumper stickers of south west states and a Rob' s chop shop sticker from Texas. Yes the colors clash unless it's Christmas.. '28phonebooth, if I went with green, I was thinking a nice 58 Pontiac Burma Green like Jerry Koller's Doll Buggy or just a darker metallic green.
....but call me crazy but I'm digging this reverse 55Vicky trim on this 52-54 Ford. I ***ume with the headlights resembling a 55-56...it could work
I usually just paint mine. But a buddy had all of his powder coated black and they not only look great, but after a decade they still look like new. If I ever remove mine for some reason I'll have them powder coated black.
It' s been a long time since replying. Painted dash and door garnish the same color. C-foam green from Roth. Have not installed the window garnish due to other car projects. ... Rewire the whole car... that almost burnt down to the wiring mess. Steering wheel repaired and painted Watson White also from Roth.
Glad you kept the contrasting colors and painted it. Looks good. As far as other people's color opinions... well you know the sayings. as long as you are happy with it. I like the color combo because it's often seen. I thought the thread might be about using wrap to look like wood or whatever..
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