Don't toss your mangled trim, there's still hope

Not Right

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This is my ode to George Lucas. If you have looked hi & low, NOS to junkyard, and still have not found that one piece of trim you need to finish the project.., AND you still have the old fubarred piece, you have one more option. It's not cheap and it's not quick. But if you are already desperate enough to spend stupid money for this part, then this may work for you. I had found 2 sets of trunk lid strips for my Fury in junkyards in 3 years of searching. Both pairs were very oxidized. Pair "A" had only a 4" flattened smush on each of the strips. On Pair "B", each strip had been crushed, creased, twisted, and stretched. My Metalworks Doctor said No Prob on Pair"A", and said to also send Pair"B" along, just for kicks, and he would see what he could do with them. As you view and evaluate the photos, keep in mind that these are thin, very flexible strips that may look curved and not ruler straight. However, they fall into line once they are snapped onto the molding clips. Pair"A" came out super...a 95-98%. Amazingly, Pair "B" came out a strong 85% and a great Daily Driver. Pair"B" was so mangled and "stretched" that I would have never believed it could be revived. But, by george, George DID IT! See PART TWO for more of the story. Thanks. Not bRight 12/31/18

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There are apparently at least two George Lucas' in the world. One specializes in Hollywood Make Believe. The other is a Metal Working Artist. It is the latter that we are discussing. And no mistake about it, he is a wizard in his realm of Aluminum, Stainless, and Chromed Steel. This is my voucher for him and his work. This is what I've learned about his operation. He is a one-man-band. Operates from home. Has lots of High Volume, low quality competition.., and has a pile of work stacked up in his shop. He takes his time and gets it right with each job. So, after you make initial contact, he'll ask you to send DETAILED PHOTOS with close-ups of the damage. He will not give you an exact quote. He will give a low-high range estimate. (And you'd better be okay with the high side before you commit.) Then you carefully package and send your stuff in. Then it is put in the line when he gets it. Then you wait. Check in with a soft, courteous tone every two to three months, "just to see how it's going". Then he sends you a couple of "finished" photos and gives you the price. You send the money and he sends your stuff. Do not be in a hurry and get ant-see with yourself, and especially not with him. I suppose, though, that if you have a rush job and throw an "M" note at him, he may jump on your job, I don't know. Anyway, as far as I'm concerned, he is a magician, a George Lucas that makes metal miracles happen in the Real World. Pictured below are my major points of contact and shipping. I typed big 8's over any of the dollar amounts. George says that's private, between he and the customer. Tell him Richard From Virginia with the Fury Trunk strips sent you! He and I developed a good re-pore. Good Luck. p.s.-I got this lead for George from Mark Newton, of Newton's Garage in Roanoke, Va. (my local Mopar Junkyard 540-992-2351) 12/31/18 part two

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Trim pieces are a burden to all car restorers.Hopefully he has an apprentice.Car restoration business has skyrocketed the past 10 years.A great field for guys.B.B
 
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