70 Nova Side Window Bright Trim Questions

[Bill Pritchard]

A friend is restoring a 70 Nova. It's supposed to have the bright trim (Chrome or anodized or something) around the window frames on the door and quarter windows. A couple questions:

1. Is there any good source for this stuff?
2. If it's available only used, are there certain precautions or procedures to be used when removing and/or reinstalling it?

I found him some used trim online elsewhere and he sent the guy money for it. When it arrived it was somewhat twisted and distorted, and my friend says it's unusable. Of course the seller won't even answer email inquiries about it

[Don_Lightfoot]

Some very good questions Bill. I have the same window moldings on my 69 Velle. Mine are anodized aluminum from what I can tell, wish they were stainless as that material is much easier to work with. I would assume the Nova would also be the same material.

They are not being reproduced for my Velle. They may be for the Nova as I think the option would be more prominant on that model than mine, and also could be the same for several years.

I would like to get mine off for re-anodizing, but no way I would try to do that myself. The "lips" on roof moldings are NOTHING compared to the lips on these things. I would definitely want a qualified autobody guy to remove and replace, someone that is experienced with these particular items.

Don't know if this helps. Good luck buddy.

[Don_Lightfoot]

Bill, I took a few "close up" shots of mine. Again, the Nova system may be a little different. Hope they help.

Here is "front top of door".

[Don_Lightfoot]

here is "back top of door".

[Don_Lightfoot]

Here is "front top of quarter glass"

[WILMASBOYL78]

They don't repop these moldings. you need to buy some quality used stuff that can be restored correctly. sorry to hear about your purchase of some inferior pieces. you really have to see this stuff in person to buy it right. there are some reputable sources but you will pay real $$ for the good stuff.

wilma

[Belair62]

That stuff looks like it's only meant to go ON and be destroyed when you take it off....

[Zman]

They can be removed sucessfully.
I took a set off a 69 Nova with absolutely NO damage.
You have to be VERY patient...slow,and easy.
The quarter window pieces are pretty easy. The longer angled piece is secured with screws under the window channel, and the short vertical piece is clipped on.
The door trim is similar to drip rail mouldings...
Remove the vertical piece first.
The hardest part is getting it started. Start at one end, and very carefully work your way around the frame.
They are anodized aluminum...the anodize can be removed, and the aluminum polished to a brilliant shine, but they must be polished ocasionally to keep them looking nice.
I sure there are places that can restore them $$$$$

[MikeA]

I tried to take the "rain gutter" bright trim off a junk yard Nova a while ago and was destroying it. I decided to leave it alone because it was not going to be worth $h!+ when I got done!

[Bill Pritchard]

Don, thanks a lot for the pictures And thanks to all for the replies I will pass the info along to my friend Dave.