side moldings on '77 280z

[IRISHoftheEast]

Hi all,

Newbie here. I recently bought a '77 280z that did not have the side moldings on it. Instead there were the holes in which it is attached to.

I was wondering if anyone had any insight on how much this would cost to fix and what kind of work? I imagine they would bondo it over and then try to match the paint?

I'll be calling local body shops, but just wanted to check in with the forum.

Thank you,

IOE

[LeonV]

Weld the holes shut, grind down the weld, prep and paint.

[grantf]

do you want to paint the whole car now? You could just put new side molding on to cover the holes for now.

[IRISHoftheEast]

ah, see that's the thing. i eventually wanted to re-paint the whole car, but the teal is really growing on me haha. in which case i didn't know if i would be able to cover the holes for cheaper than repainting the whole car

[grantf]

To plug weld, grind and finish that much area and blend in you're current paint would come close to a respray if you hired out the body work. If you wish to restore compleatly at a later time just put replacement trim on to cover the holes untill you have more of an idea of how far you want to go. Can you show pictures of the car? My 2 cents

Edited March 6, 2012 by grantf

[Oiluj]

Here's a link to a source for the stipping. Vinyl insert comes in white, black & silver.

http://www.customautotrim.com/products/moldings/rivet.htm

Edited March 6, 2012 by Oiluj

[IRISHoftheEast]

Thanks for the advice grantf.

Thank you Oiluj for the source

Here is a pic of the ride (sorry for all the noise in the shot). Also, i'll post pics of the holes later.

IoE

[grantf]

Nice looking car. Looks like you dont need a repaint to me. I am not a fan of the side molding so I left mine of when I painted my car (I had the holes also.), But If my car was in that condition I would have but them back on at least till I had a fender bender or failing paint.

[Oiluj]

I agree, nice looking car!

[EScanlon]

If you're not repainting but still want the holes filled, you might consider soldering them closed, then just using touch up paint on the exposed solder (after spot priming).

Solder uses a much lower heat then welding and it leaves a smaller damaged paint surround.

E

[IRISHoftheEast]

Thanks guys!

EScanlon - I am really intrigued by the soldering option. Have you had any experience with this method or know of anyone? I might just give it a try...

Charles

[justinyee]

Just a thought, but you could also plug it up with something else: rubber plug, or a screw with a flat rounded top. Obviously these options aren't for the purist :] good luck!

BTW, nice looking ride! And photographically speaking, the noise is perfect.

Edited March 7, 2012 by justinyee