Vent Window Dilemma - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**CMars45000** · 02-09-2021, 09:56 PM

In the process of doing metal working on my 1971 C10, I needed a break and decided to work on disassembling the doors and tearing down the vent windows. Upon inspecting the vent windows, the chrome is in rough shape. I was not too thrilled with the cost of reproductions or the rebuild OE units so got a price locally for re-chroming the vent window glass frame, handles and polishing the stainless- $800!!! No thanks. So I think I have settled on painting the glass frame black.

Question is two-fold:

1. How do I best prep the peeling chrome to paint? Sand blast, fill and sand with a product like USC all-metal, epoxy and paint?

2. Do I paint the stainless trim on the divider or polish it?

This is on a C10 Custom Deluxe that is a resto mod but I am keeping most of the original trim features (Emblems, divider trim around back of the cab, etc)

Thanks

**dmjlambert** · 02-09-2021, 11:37 PM

I am looking at your pictures, and I don't see it as being very rough at all. It seems pretty nice. Perhaps in person it looks worse. I suggest clean it up with steel wool or a fine wire wheel. You may find it restores the chrome, you may be amazed. I was impressed with what that did on mine. Then just polish and clean it and give it a shot of spray can clear paint. Sorry I don't have an answer on the two-fold question.

**LockDoc** · 02-10-2021, 12:38 AM

-
^^^^^.. This.

I use #0000 steel wool on chrome parts that have light pitting or rust discoloration on them. It works wonders. Just don't lean on it real hard, go over it lightly.

LockDoc

Davidf · 02-10-2021, 10:23 AM

If you really want to paint...I THINK phosphoric acid will dissolve the chrome. Try soaking the vent windows in a acid/water bath overnight...and see what happens.

**1971Stepside** · 02-10-2021, 10:37 AM

Find Roger Koop on the board here. He rebuilds the whole assembly for a very fair price IMO. I do know his chrome guy went out of business and I don't know if he has found another.

Short of having them re-chromed, you might look at getting them powder coated. Black is the most common color for most powder coat guys and they will hold up better than paint.

Carl Spangler · 02-10-2021, 02:21 PM

Here is The thread started by Roger Koop:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=Roger+Koop

**CMars45000** · 02-10-2021, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

I am looking at your pictures, and I don't see it as being very rough at all. It seems pretty nice. Perhaps in person it looks worse. I suggest clean it up with steel wool or a fine wire wheel. You may find it restores the chrome, you may be amazed. I was impressed with what that did on mine. Then just polish and clean it and give it a shot of spray can clear paint. Sorry I don't have an answer on the two-fold question.

I looked at them closer today...I guess they aren't as bad as I lead on. The worst part is the fixed bracket that holds the upper rivet that the window pivots against- the chrome is peeling quite badly on that one. You can kind of see it in there second picture.

I think I will try to find another chrome plating company before I give up and paint them

**1971Stepside** · 02-10-2021, 04:26 PM

Another option:

https://www.truckhaven67-72.com/prod...out-glass-pair

Edit...I see it shows no longer in stock. If they have them you should be able to find them from some vendor??

**dmjlambert** · 02-10-2021, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMars45000

I looked at them closer today...I guess they aren't as bad as I lead on. The worst part is the fixed bracket that holds the upper rivet that the window pivots against- the chrome is peeling quite badly on that one. You can kind of see it in there second picture.

I think I will try to find another chrome plating company before I give up and paint them

I would probably mask that part and spray paint it with some "chrome" spray paint, which actually comes out silver. From a few feet away it would look fine.
Or post a want-to-buy ad in the parts section for a better condition vent window assembly (or just that bracket).
Or search here on the forum about what people have found for plating. I bookmarked this one, because I have a small number of items I will probably end up getting plated. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=778276

**DeadheadNM** · 02-11-2021, 10:24 AM

I recommend getting a quote from Electroplating of El Paso for the chrome work and polishing. They do good work for a reasonable price (ex. bumpers were $225 w repair four years ago). I've used them for stainless polishing as well with great results.

**Grumpy old man** · 11-18-2021, 08:17 PM

I just sent a set of 67 vent windows to Electroplating of El Paso to have chromed They quoted $158.00 ++ for their "house chrome" and $205.00 ++ for show chrome . Approx time of 4 weeks for this small order .

http://www.electroplatingelpaso.com/english/services

**dmjlambert** · 11-18-2021, 08:39 PM

What kind of prep did you do? They sure look very black.

**Grumpy old man** · 11-18-2021, 08:44 PM

0 Prep they are painted black from the factory . They don't want you to do any prep work on them.

Accelo · 11-18-2021, 09:20 PM

You might try
Email: drjsrestorx@comcast.net
www.drjsrestorationrx.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Js-Resto...8736887485115/

He did mine and I couldn't be happier with the results.
base labor rate of $225.00 per pair
1967-72 Chevy pickup typical pricing *** (Prices can vary depending on Year, make and model):
The felt channels are $44.50/pair, rubber is $32.50/set, handles are $14.50 each, and glass is $24-$48 each, depending on the year and if you want clear or tint, plus shipping (tempered glass is special order).
Then there would be the shipping cost back to you, which can be $30-$80 (approx) depending on where you live.

No relationship except being a happy customer.
Seems to be difficult to get great service and a fair price now days.

firedemon · 11-18-2021, 09:43 PM

if you go the steel wool route i suggest using some sort of metal polish as a lube between the wool and the chrome . i used this process on an old springer frontend on a harley it was fairly rough and came out real nice not perfect but i thought it helped with the fine scratches

purple gas · 11-18-2021, 10:08 PM

Brasso metal polish works pretty good for polishing chrome.

**SIXTY9** · 11-21-2021, 08:00 AM

AGREE with Accelo!! He did mine and you could not ask for a better Quality job. Mine are not chrome, they were powder coated black.

**mkmc69** · 11-22-2021, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I just sent a set of 67 vent windows to Electroplating of El Paso to have chromed They quoted $158.00 ++ for their "house chrome" and $205.00 ++ for show chrome . Approx time of 4 weeks for this small order .

http://www.electroplatingelpaso.com/english/services

So, which option are you going with? That doesn't sound bad, if they come out nice.

**Grumpy old man** · 11-22-2021, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkmc69

So, which option are you going with? That doesn't sound bad, if they come out nice.

I went with the show chrome option .

The women I spoke to told me they have a 63 Chevy truck .

Electroplating of El Paso has been in business for 30 years,and has won many awards on its show chrome plating and show gold plating finish. We know our customers expect a wet quality mirror finish. At the customer's request, we will tag those items to be show plated for an additional charge. Our master polisher takes time to make sure he performs the best detail work possible. Now comes the plating. We do not stop at double or triple plating. Your items will get as many layers of plating as needed, even a thick layer of acid copper if needed. Our house chrome is superior quality compare to our competitors show chrome, so you could imagine what our show chrome finish looks like.

**Grumpy old man** · 02-11-2022, 10:52 AM

Back from the chrome shop , It took about 10 weeks . I'll be sending another set next week .

OL SKOOL · 02-11-2022, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Back from the chrome shop , It took about 10 weeks . I'll be sending another set next week .

Those look awesome!

**dagnabbitt** · 02-11-2022, 01:01 PM

If the chrome was really not savable and someone went the way of painting them - as OP was thinking - would powder coating maybe be an option?

I had some powder coating done recently and now I am one of those "Powder-Coat-Everything" guys.

Accelo · 02-12-2022, 12:10 PM

I too am a powder coating fan. I converted an old commercial refrigerator into an oven. I can do parts over 4 foot long. The process is simple easy to learn and environmentally friendly. I think I can paint most parts for less money than it cost to clean your paint gun. You will quickly turn into the powder coat everything person. It can be done with the countertop oven or an old stove. Just depends on your motivation. A good blast cabinet costs more money than my oven did. I highly recommend it for any buddy doing restorations. The only Powdercoating I paid for was the frame and front crossmember. The vendor cooked the crossmember in an oven at 900°. That removed all the oil that leaked into it over the years. Then they blasted and painted it. The frame is 100% more durable than the factory ever considered.

02-09-2021, 09:56 PM	#1
CMars45000 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 204	Vent Window Dilemma In the process of doing metal working on my 1971 C10, I needed a break and decided to work on disassembling the doors and tearing down the vent windows. Upon inspecting the vent windows, the chrome is in rough shape. I was not too thrilled with the cost of reproductions or the rebuild OE units so got a price locally for re-chroming the vent window glass frame, handles and polishing the stainless- $800!!! No thanks. So I think I have settled on painting the glass frame black. Question is two-fold: 1. How do I best prep the peeling chrome to paint? Sand blast, fill and sand with a product like USC all-metal, epoxy and paint? 2. Do I paint the stainless trim on the divider or polish it? This is on a C10 Custom Deluxe that is a resto mod but I am keeping most of the original trim features (Emblems, divider trim around back of the cab, etc) Thanks Attached Images __________________ Project Family Values Build Thread Vehicles/Projects: -1971 C10 SWB Fleetside! Gathering parts now, will begin frame-off resto soon... Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. -Aristotle

02-09-2021, 11:37 PM	#2
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,561	Re: Vent Window Dilemma I am looking at your pictures, and I don't see it as being very rough at all. It seems pretty nice. Perhaps in person it looks worse. I suggest clean it up with steel wool or a fine wire wheel. You may find it restores the chrome, you may be amazed. I was impressed with what that did on mine. Then just polish and clean it and give it a shot of spray can clear paint. Sorry I don't have an answer on the two-fold question.

02-10-2021, 12:38 AM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,320	Re: Vent Window Dilemma - ^^^^^.. This. I use #0000 steel wool on chrome parts that have light pitting or rust discoloration on them. It works wonders. Just don't lean on it real hard, go over it lightly. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

02-10-2021, 10:23 AM	#4
Davidf Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin Posts: 749	Re: Vent Window Dilemma If you really want to paint...I THINK phosphoric acid will dissolve the chrome. Try soaking the vent windows in a acid/water bath overnight...and see what happens.

02-10-2021, 10:37 AM	#5
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,928	Re: Vent Window Dilemma Find Roger Koop on the board here. He rebuilds the whole assembly for a very fair price IMO. I do know his chrome guy went out of business and I don't know if he has found another. Short of having them re-chromed, you might look at getting them powder coated. Black is the most common color for most powder coat guys and they will hold up better than paint. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

02-10-2021, 02:21 PM	#6
Carl Spangler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Central Coast Ca. Posts: 417	Re: Vent Window Dilemma Here is The thread started by Roger Koop: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=Roger+Koop __________________ 1971 SWB step side: Original NM Forestry and then NM Fire truck

02-10-2021, 04:26 PM	#8
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,928	Re: Vent Window Dilemma Another option: https://www.truckhaven67-72.com/prod...out-glass-pair Edit...I see it shows no longer in stock. If they have them you should be able to find them from some vendor?? __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

02-11-2021, 10:24 AM	#10
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,278	Re: Vent Window Dilemma I recommend getting a quote from Electroplating of El Paso for the chrome work and polishing. They do good work for a reasonable price (ex. bumpers were $225 w repair four years ago). I've used them for stainless polishing as well with great results. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

11-18-2021, 08:17 PM	#11
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Vent Window Dilemma I just sent a set of 67 vent windows to Electroplating of El Paso to have chromed They quoted $158.00 ++ for their "house chrome" and $205.00 ++ for show chrome . Approx time of 4 weeks for this small order . http://www.electroplatingelpaso.com/english/services Attached Images __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

11-18-2021, 08:39 PM	#12
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,561	Re: Vent Window Dilemma What kind of prep did you do? They sure look very black.

11-18-2021, 08:44 PM	#13
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Vent Window Dilemma 0 Prep they are painted black from the factory . They don't want you to do any prep work on them. __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

11-18-2021, 09:20 PM	#14
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,157	Re: Vent Window Dilemma You might try Email: drjsrestorx@comcast.net www.drjsrestorationrx.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Js-Resto...8736887485115/ He did mine and I couldn't be happier with the results. base labor rate of $225.00 per pair 1967-72 Chevy pickup typical pricing *** (Prices can vary depending on Year, make and model): The felt channels are $44.50/pair, rubber is $32.50/set, handles are $14.50 each, and glass is $24-$48 each, depending on the year and if you want clear or tint, plus shipping (tempered glass is special order). Then there would be the shipping cost back to you, which can be $30-$80 (approx) depending on where you live. No relationship except being a happy customer. Seems to be difficult to get great service and a fair price now days. Attached Images

11-18-2021, 09:43 PM	#15
firedemon Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: @ Posts: 890	Re: Vent Window Dilemma if you go the steel wool route i suggest using some sort of metal polish as a lube between the wool and the chrome . i used this process on an old springer frontend on a harley it was fairly rough and came out real nice not perfect but i thought it helped with the fine scratches

11-18-2021, 10:08 PM	#16
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 680	Re: Vent Window Dilemma Brasso metal polish works pretty good for polishing chrome. __________________ I got a bench seat baby, you don't have to sit over there.

11-21-2021, 08:00 AM	#17
SIXTY9 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: North Charleston SC Posts: 503	Re: Vent Window Dilemma AGREE with Accelo!! He did mine and you could not ask for a better Quality job. Mine are not chrome, they were powder coated black.



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02-11-2022, 10:52 AM	#20
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Vent Window Dilemma Back from the chrome shop , It took about 10 weeks . I'll be sending another set next week . Attached Images __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

02-11-2022, 01:01 PM	#22
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,295	Re: Vent Window Dilemma If the chrome was really not savable and someone went the way of painting them - as OP was thinking - would powder coating maybe be an option? I had some powder coating done recently and now I am one of those "Powder-Coat-Everything" guys. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

02-12-2022, 12:10 PM	#23
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,157	Re: Vent Window Dilemma I too am a powder coating fan. I converted an old commercial refrigerator into an oven. I can do parts over 4 foot long. The process is simple easy to learn and environmentally friendly. I think I can paint most parts for less money than it cost to clean your paint gun. You will quickly turn into the powder coat everything person. It can be done with the countertop oven or an old stove. Just depends on your motivation. A good blast cabinet costs more money than my oven did. I highly recommend it for any buddy doing restorations. The only Powdercoating I paid for was the frame and front crossmember. The vendor cooked the crossmember in an oven at 900°. That removed all the oil that leaked into it over the years. Then they blasted and painted it. The frame is 100% more durable than the factory ever considered.

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