Aluminum Threshold Plate Restore

[EScanlon]

Sorry it took a while to get these pics taken, but here they are:

These are the aluminum door sills and lower door panel which the Roadsters used. I was content with a bright non reflective shine, i.e. somewhat of a satin finish. As the parts were sourced from several different states, each one probably experienced different washes, sprays etc. The important thing here is that this coating was applied in 2007.

Overflow bottle, the original paint was peeling and the nice brass metal was showing through. I felt it needed to show all the time. Again, Glisten PC applied 2007.

Last picture shows the air filter housing (plain steel, note no corrosion) and the Heater Control Valve, the main one which Roadsters used to bypass the Heater completely. Note that this is not only above the exhaust manifold, but also subjected to the water temp inside. It is both copper and bronze. Again, coating was applied in 2007.

FWIW

E

[conedodger]

I'm not sure why anyone should be concerned about powder coating temperature with aluminum sill plates. 400 degrees F is less than 1/3rd the melting temperature of aluminum. Yes you can powder coat in clear and a chrome look powder.

[geezer]

I have some NOS kick plates that are still in the original plastic. They really were not finished to perfection when new. They are a a semi gloss finish that appears to have been anodized before being stamped. The press marks are quite visable. Don't know if they will show up through the plastic but I will attach a pic.

I don't think these would be easy to duplicate today. Easiest way would be to stamp new ones but the dies would be cost prohibitive. Another way to achieve the look would be by milling light gauge aluminum angle stock that can be formed to the proper angle which is less than a 90.

Anyone reproducing the vinyl covered inner steel trim plates shown in the pic? They have a bit of a tricky profile to duplicate as well.

[Zup]

Ron,

There is no source for the vinyl wrapped trim plates that I have been able to find.

The current one's from Nissan are textured steel and have only 3 mounting holes instead if 5.

I have heard of people contact cementing patterned vinyl to them to achieve "the look" of the originals.

It's what I intend for my 7/70.

This might be a good winter project to source the material and give it a go.

Jim D.

"Zup"

[SteveJ]

Ron,

There is no source for the vinyl wrapped trim plates that I have been able to find.

The current one's from Nissan are textured steel and have only 3 mounting holes instead if 5.

I have heard of people contact cementing patterned vinyl to them to achieve "the look" of the originals.

It's what I intend for my 7/70.

This might be a good winter project to source the material and give it a go.

Jim D.

"Zup"

I have a set of those. I actually need them for my 260Z since one is rusting, but I'm not sure I am skilled enough to adapt them.

[ZCurves]

Ditto tlorber.

[Carl Beck]

I had a set of the vinyl trim plates made from Stainless Steel about 20 years ago. They are still in my White 72... not OEM, but attractive and if one didn't know better they look factory. If you take a set to almost any Sheet Metal Shop - they can easily duplicate them.. then just drill the proper holes, by sitting the old one on top of the new one's.

With todays DNC/CNC machine tools - I don't think it would be super expensive to make a die to stamp thin aluminum. If not here in the US - then China..

FWIW,

Carl B.

[ktm]

I powder coated my plates a gloss black. They were not in the best condition at the time and the glass black contrasts nicely with the orange paint.