Re: IML: Question on trim clips

[John Corey <jcorey@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Steve,

The biggest challenge in trim clips will be for the cast potmetal parts, specifically the side spears and the hood windsplit.  These all have cast pins on the back which are grabbed by self-threading tinnerman nuts.  Those nuts were NEVER meant to come off and while it can be done with care, IFF the pins are not too corroded (whereon they will simply break off in the nut); the removal process is like dragging a dry christmas tree through a door by the top end first - it just isn't meant to be!  By comparison, all the stainless trim (wheel arch, rocker, fin ridges, rear bumper surrounds) and the rear pot ("IMPERIAL"  at gas cap) are held on with real removable machine threads or spring clips.

Two thoughts:  #1 No paint-to-the edge job will ever look right when you wax it.  Razor or not; that trim will move over time, revealing the secret below - this is less bad if the color is the same, but the telltale ridge is ALWAYs there.  #2  When I have done 61's, I have always removed all brightwork (and either removed or lifted the glass seals) to get a thorough, smooth paint job.  If you have ANY rust on the car now, this is also the only way to keep it from re-appearing through your new paint, BTW.  Here's JC's secret for restoring those damn cast pins for the spears:

A) if the pin remains, but is merely to scored-up to take a good grip on a new tinnerman; just thread it a #10 threading die will make a very nice thread on those pins!  (use a UNC not UNF thread), and then you can re-mount the trim with a REAL nut and it will stay and (if you cost it liberally with anti-corrosive) it will probably be re-removable if needed later for touch-up.

B) if the pin is gone; sand the area (do NOT grind, the heat is too great) to remove remaining plating, then mount a flathead #10 machine screw (stainless is nice) by using good 2-part epoxy.  If you get it clean, it will be stronger than the original (and again, re-usable!).

Go for it and remember, as in ALL painting, houses, cars, or the Sistine chapel - it;s the preparation that makes the job.  Hours of prep + minutes of spray = years of beauty.

jc

On Jul 28, 2007, at 12:55 PM, Steve Tenpenny wrote:

I'm new to the IML and new to my 61 Crown Coupe. In planning and preparation

for a future paint job, I have a question that has a great bearing on

removing ALL the trim.

Are ALL of the clips available that will be needed to replace the trim on my

car, if in fact ALL of the trim is removed for painting? I have had painters

tell me you can really get yourself in a mess if the clips can't be had. I

realize taping off is not the ideal method, but if replacing this huge

amount of trim is going to be a major problem, I certainly might consider

it.

Any help here will be appreciated.

Thanks to all,

Steve

Texas

61 Crown Coupe

-----------------  http://www.imperialclub.com  -----------------

This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please 

reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be 

shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the

Administrators should be sent to iml.webmonster@xxxxxxxxx

To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm

John Corey

jcorey@xxxxxxxxxx,jcorey@xxxxxxxxxxx

CFIC-Qdrive, 302 Tenth St., Troy, NY 12180 USA

518-272-3565 x201

fax: -272-3582