I am early in the renovation of a 63 globetrotter. I am doing a frame off restoration and I'm starting the interior skin removal. I took the interior window trim off in order to get the lower panels off. Eventually, I want to have shiny aluminum interior window trim. The trim is coated in multiple layers of paint. I searched for window trim replacement in order to find out whether not I should ultimately try to strip and polish the existing trim or plan on replacing it completely. I'm concerned that refinishing them would be pretty tough because of the condition and the chance of bending or damaging them. They are just simple mitered 90 degree trim pieces of aluminum sheet. Are they available commercially or would they be simple to fabricate ? Any insight would be appreciated
Looks like those would be pretty simple to fabricate. Do not throw them out!! I am pretty lucky my local hardware store has a large break and let folks use it (good customers like me) so ask around. Also local seamless gutter/soffit/fascia guys would prob.fabricate them for you on the weekend as an aside-type of job for beer money, again, ask around. That being said, soaking in some good quality green paint stripper and a bit of gentle scraping and buffing may just do the trick.
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I'd strip them. By the time you spend time researching and money trying to find something else that will work...you can have them stripped.
As far a bending them while polishing, use clecos to hold them to a 2x4 - that way they aren't as flimsy. Move the clecos as you work an area...similar to what we did here (1st pic) with side panels. Just lay the trim over the corner of the 2x4 then drill where the holes are and put a cleco in it.
Shari
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Thanks, great ideas. I removed them all today with the lower interior skins. I labeled them all and will plan on refinishing them. I appreciate the info on the bending brake. I will probably fabricate new upper trim if I can get the finish to match. The upper frames have the extra pop rivet holes that held the curtain slider. I will be using shades or blinds and would prefer a matching trim.
The cleco and 2X4 trick is going to really help with the refinishing. I am going to put that off for now as I work towards separating my frame from the shell. I am planning to build a gantry system and lifting from above to separate. Wish me luck.
I would just make new ones. In the time you would strip just one window you could make all new. It is a very easy thing to make. 1 1/2" x 1" 90 degree bend then a 1/4" bend at 22.5 degrees.
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