Dealing with car restoration, especially on classic models, often brings unexpected expenses. I recently encountered one such instance with my 1967 car’s front window trim. Initially, opting for a reproduction stainless steel trim seemed like a cost-effective solution to replace a missing piece. However, the poor fit of the reproduction part was immediately apparent. The unsightly gaps, noticeable enough to fit a finger under, were simply unacceptable for a restoration aiming for better-than-new condition. This experience highlighted the critical difference between cost and value in auto restoration, pushing me to seek professional stainless steel moulding repair.
My search for a solution led me to a specialized metal polishing shop located north of Seattle, the only one I could find in the vicinity. Although I heard of another option south of the city, the northern shop was more accessible for me. This shop impressed me with their focus on high-quality work, catering to high-end projects, with no apparent interest in merely “good enough” outcomes. The results they delivered on my stainless steel trim were truly exquisite, arguably exceeding my initial expectations.
The process, however, was not inexpensive. The shop’s hourly rate was $60, and the total time spent on my front window trim, along with some additional pieces, amounted to approximately 11 hours. This brought the total cost to over $700 for the repair, which included removing dings and dents and meticulously polishing the stainless steel window trim. A significant portion of the labor involved reshaping the clip connection edges, which were considerably damaged. It’s important to note that the extent of damage and required work can vary, meaning costs can fluctuate.
When comparing this cost to the $100 price tag of a reproduction set, the appeal of aftermarket parts becomes clear. However, the trade-off is evident in the compromised fit and finish. Depending on your restoration goals, those gaps might be acceptable. For my project, achieving a high standard of restoration meant investing in professional repair. This experience served as a reminder that some aspects of car restoration, especially those concerning aesthetics and original quality, can demand a larger financial commitment than initially anticipated. While not the area I expected to allocate a significant portion of my budget, repairing the original stainless steel moulding proved to be a worthwhile investment for the overall quality of the restoration.
