CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: abiddle on March 29, 2016, 09:42:52 PM

Title: door sills travesty
Post by: abiddle on March 29, 2016, 09:42:52 PM
Took a bunch of metal to the most reputable chrome and metal shop in our area, and they did this to my original door sills. Polished them to a unholy chrome like finish. You would think they would at least have the common sense to not polish the fisher tag. These were original and well worn, so I thought they would do a nice light polishing because they would know what these are supposed to look like. I can't even rivet new emblems because they ruined the tread too. Just unbelievable. The lesson is to not assume anyone knows what they are doing, even a specialty shop.

I'm looking for a decent pair of used original door sills, or a quality reproduction I guess.  :'(
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: ban617 on March 29, 2016, 10:51:31 PM
Trim parts has them with the rivets I believe ...
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: KevinW on March 30, 2016, 12:53:01 AM
Wow!
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: ZLP955 on March 30, 2016, 09:28:27 AM
I learned a long time ago to always clarify your requirements and expectations with the owner of the business up front.
I have a set I'd gladly gift you, but shipping back to the US would be prohibitively expensive.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: HawkX66 on March 30, 2016, 11:43:56 AM
Wow. No excuse for that. What rocks...
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: BULLITT65 on March 30, 2016, 02:50:47 PM
Hopefully they didn't charge you for that mess. Looks like on the job training for who ever did it.
Luckily door sill plates, are not a super rare item, I think it won't be to hard to locate a set. I will keep an eye open for you.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: abiddle on March 30, 2016, 02:55:05 PM
Charged me $195 for 3 hours of polishing on these sills and a pair of door lock cylinders. Someone got paid $65 per hour for this.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: BULLITT65 on March 30, 2016, 02:56:29 PM
I would go back with your replacement set and show him how bad or far from original they are now, and hopefully he will agree just to be paid for the time he had on the lock cylinders. That seems fair.

ebay NOS for a B.I.N. of $295
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1967-1968-1969-Camaro-Firebird-door-sill-plates-GM-/271848557348?hash=item3f4b6fcb24:g:CkAAAOSwcwhVOXym&vxp=mtr
or good used with a B.I.N. $100, but has the option to make an offer. So I would throw an offer of $60 he may counter but you should still be able to get them for under $100.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-1967-1968-1969-Camaro-Firebird-Door-Sill-Plates-/141938266070?hash=item210c2e0fd6:g:K2AAAOSwGYVW8vCp&vxp=mtr

Good luck
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: HawkX66 on March 30, 2016, 03:14:42 PM
Charged me $195 for 3 hours of polishing on these sills and a pair of door lock cylinders. Someone got paid $65 per hour for this.
I'm shocked you paid for it. They owe you money IMO.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: Mike S on March 30, 2016, 03:26:56 PM
 You would be very surprised how easy it is to DIY polish. I bought an all purpose dual bench grinder from Sears back in the 80's along with some buffing & polishing wheels and different bars of compound and some 600-1000 grit wet/dry paper, I was able to do my own easy enough. Today I see a few good videos on You-tube that demonstrate the process very well.
I encourage you to try it as I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is.

Mike
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: abiddle on March 30, 2016, 04:09:53 PM
I'm shocked you paid for it. They owe you money IMO.

I was shocked and tried to explain to the lady what they are supposed to look like. And I was trying to be calm. She wanted to rewrap them but I said to not bother as they were ruined. I needed to collect myself and left. I just sent an email with pics of what they should look like, so they can have time to review it. Hopefully they will return my money, and I will just buy another set at my own cost.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: abiddle on March 30, 2016, 04:16:28 PM
You would be very surprised how easy it is to DIY polish. I bought an all purpose dual bench grinder from Sears back in the 80's along with some buffing & polishing wheels and different bars of compound and some 600-1000 grit wet/dry paper, I was able to do my own easy enough. Today I see a few good videos on You-tube that demonstrate the process very well.
I encourage you to try it as I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is.

Mike

Timely post Mike, I will definitely be polishing the next set myself. I've started a driver restoration of a 68 Scout 800 on a serious budget, and I'm doing everything myself. In many cases I believe better results can be bought from professionals with experience, but I think this is an example where someone without experience was given this task and the results are not professional. I should have only taken them the stuff that needed replated. I've learned a hard lesson.

I wasn't as upset about the money as I was upset that an original part was ruined. These sills lasted almost 50 years, until this.

Thanks - Andy
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: HawkX66 on March 30, 2016, 04:37:56 PM
I'm shocked you paid for it. They owe you money IMO.

I was shocked and tried to explain to the lady what they are supposed to look like. And I was trying to be calm. She wanted to rewrap them but I said to not bother as they were ruined. I needed to collect myself and left. I just sent an email with pics of what they should look like, so they can have time to review it. Hopefully they will return my money, and I will just buy another set at my own cost.
I can appreciate that. Sometimes taking a deep breath and staying calm is the right thing to do. I wish you luck with how it turns out.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: abiddle on March 31, 2016, 02:45:39 PM
Their response was not what I expected. Al must be the owner.

I spoke with the guys after reading this email. The sills were in rough shape when they came in. Normally we do leave the inner groove in, however, they were already fading. The only way to polish out correctly, was to take that inner groove out. I apologize that you are not happy with the job. Al said if they came in better shape, he could understand and give you back your money, however when polish jobs come it, it is up to the guys to get them as best they can. The center piece is always buffed out and repainted when sent to us. You cannot polish around the painted areas and have it look right.
Again, I am sorry you are not happy with it.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: ban617 on March 31, 2016, 03:18:22 PM
Trim Parts $68.95 with riveted tag & screws .
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: BULLITT65 on March 31, 2016, 03:28:03 PM
Seems like a phone call to you, or information they should have discussed when you brought them in. I would if possible forward a before pic of your car with the door open showing the sills as best you could . I could understand the drivers with some wear, but usually the passenger one is in decent shape. Thats a lot of money for me, and even if it wasn't the principal of the matter would get under my skin. I have had poor communication in the past with stuff like this and have learned to be thorough in my explanations and in writing on the inspection ticket, as to cover my bases. You can't prevent every F-*k up, but you can narrow it down some. Like I said at least it wasn't a rare part.

I agree, Trim makes quality items.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: 68camaroz28 on April 09, 2016, 05:21:37 PM
For sure a shop that might be good but had no idea what they were doing to them. Dang! If you or anyone needs some pieces done contact Bruce Dell at Dell Polishing in Ohio. Bruce is a great guy and did all our ours and for many that I know. His work is outstanding and he knows what goes where and how it should look. Another guy who grew up with this car stuff as his father had a shop.
Title: Re: door sills travesty
Post by: janobyte on April 09, 2016, 08:28:00 PM
1 1/2 hours from me, simple drive. Just added Dell Polishing to favorites.