1968 GTX Trunk Panel Restoration

[SoCal440GTX]

I picked up a decent 1968 GTX Trunk Panel and I'm looking for guidance on restoration. I found this thread but it's old and the links to the pictures are dead.
http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/68-gtx-tail-panel-resto.43743/
Lots of great info though.
Does anyone have any updated advice?
I've got a few broken studs and some pitting. The chrome is very nice though. Argent paint is long gone.
Thanks.

 

[moparedtn]

I just posted a thread on this very subject:
http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopar...gtx-trunk-finish-panel.128814/#post-910648533
Don't know how much help it will be to you, but for what it's worth....

 

[MarPar]

I picked up a decent 1968 GTX Trunk Panel and I'm looking for guidance on restoration. I found this thread but it's old and the links to the pictures are dead.
http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/68-gtx-tail-panel-resto.43743/
Lots of great info though.
Does anyone have any updated advice?
I've got a few broken studs and some pitting. The chrome is very nice though. Argent paint is long gone.
Thanks.

ya, I never did finish the panel. kept the old one on and put the new one in storage...

if you have any questions, fire away, ill try and help ya as much as I can.

 

[69L48Z27]

I'll jump in here too, I have the same question.

I would assume that this is a chrome piece then it's finished with argent textured finish. Then paint dropped into the Plymouth script. So, you would need to find someone to rechrome it first.

 

[GetX'd]

There's a guy down in Texas that restores these panels to near perfection. I have a 68 GTX also. I didn't have him do mine only because he wants your first born to do it. I don't have any kids or I'd give it to him. If you want the number let me know - names Bob and very expensive. Another member got his done and was very happy - but I found out Bob jacked his prices up after doing that one. Kind of pissed me off so I didn't go with him.

 

[69L48Z27]

Is this the same Bob in the link for post #2? If it is, it doesn't sound like he's with us anymore.

 

[GetX'd]

Is this the same Bob in the link for post #2? If it is, it doesn't sound like he's with us anymore.

Yep - that's the same Bob. I spoke to him by phone a couple of times. I didn't know he passed either. I got his contact number and reference from the guy in post #2. Seemed like a nice enough guy - but his work was pricey. Probably worth it too.

 

[MarPar]

I'll jump in here too, I have the same question.

I would assume that this is a chrome piece then it's finished with argent textured finish. Then paint dropped into the Plymouth script. So, you would need to find someone to rechrome it first.

yes.

then the work begins...

 

[SoCal440GTX]

It seems to go like this...
1st decide if you want to have it re-chromed ($$$), live with the chrome as-is or paint argent over where the chrome is supposed to show. The 3rd choice is what appears to be the most common.
Mask, sand, fill, re-mask, prime and paint argent.
Apply reflective decals.
I haven't yet heard any suggestions on stud repair/replacement. Seems very limited depth to drill & tap.
Thanks!

 

[MarPar]

It seems to go like this...
1st decide if you want to have it re-chromed ($$$), live with the chrome as-is or paint argent over where the chrome is supposed to show. The 3rd choice is what appears to be the most common.
Mask, sand, fill, re-mask, prime and paint argent.
Apply reflective decals.
I haven't yet heard any suggestions on stud repair/replacement. Seems very limited depth to drill & tap.
Thanks!

pretty much...unless you win the lottery and buy one freshly chromed like me

 

[moparedtn]

Yep - that's the same Bob. I spoke to him by phone a couple of times. I didn't know he passed either. I got his contact number and reference from the guy in post #2. Seemed like a nice enough guy - but his work was pricey. Probably worth it too.

Yes, Bob passed just a little bit after you contacted him.
Hell of a guy.
RIP.

 

[moparedtn]

It seems to go like this...
1st decide if you want to have it re-chromed ($$$), live with the chrome as-is or paint argent over where the chrome is supposed to show. The 3rd choice is what appears to be the most common.
Mask, sand, fill, re-mask, prime and paint argent.
Apply reflective decals.
I haven't yet heard any suggestions on stud repair/replacement. Seems very limited depth to drill & tap.
Thanks!

Correct. Many, many hours of filling/grinding/sanding depending on how bad the piece is pitted.
Mine was, very much so.
Mine did not get re-chromed, but the raised "ridges"/lettering that were chromed were polished, then masked off prior to painting.

The broken studs were carefully removed, then new pieces of 1/4" all-thread were brazed into place to form new studs. Again, very delicate and time-consuming work.
Bob went kind of nuts on mine.
I'm very honored to have the piece.

 

[SoCal440GTX]

Do you have a picture of one of the stud repairs?
I wonder how well that Muggyweld Super Allow 1 would work.
After sanding the rust bumps down to pits, what is a good metal filler? I would think something hard but sandable would be the best choice.
I wonder if there is there a textured powder coating that would simulate the argent paint.
Thanks.

 

[CudaChick1968]

... I wonder if there is there a textured powder coating that would simulate the argent paint.
Thanks.

Yes there is (and probably more than one depending on your supplier). I use it quite a bit on my factory-style restorations.

 

[SoCal440GTX]

I found this post very interesting, although the micro-fine glitter was a new one to me.

http://theamcforum.com/forum/javelin-amx-401-4speed-restoration-pics_topic37044_page8.html

 

[oldbee]

SoCal call up cudachick. She has some mirror silver(?) that looks like chrome. I've been meaning to call her back about doing some valve covers to spice up my totally black/drab engine bay.

 

[MarPar]

Leanna is the best!!!

She powder coated my 7, yes 7 color valve covers...and she did a kick-*** job!!

 

[GetX'd]

Those look awesome Mario - I'll bet they really pop on the car.

 

[MarPar]

Those look awesome Mario - I'll bet they really pop on the car.

indeed they do Kev.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Is that tail panel aluminum or pit metal?