Lower rocker panel trim

[Darren C]

SLM,

I'm afraid your incorrect. The trims ARE stainless.

I have spent many hours restoring mine, and I can 100% assure you they're Stainless Steel.

[Darren C]

The lower ones are most probably Aluminium (dont have any yet to confirm), but the upper ones in the ebay listing aren't.

[Darren C]

Here’s my restored upper side trims, they were more dented and scratched than the ebay ones. There was even grinder damage where someone in the past had cut or repaired the bodywork and carelessly run across the trim with a grinding disc.
I beat out the dents, filed out the scratches and worked through grades of wet and dry up to 1200 grit before polishing.

So there’s plenty of scope left for those ebay ones albeit they are a bit pricy!

[tyang]

The lower ones are most probably Aluminium (dont have any yet to confirm), but the upper ones in the ebay listing aren't.

Lower ones on the 2+2 330s and 250s is aluminum. I think the GTCs they're steel.

Tom

[cory]

Here’s my restored upper side trims, they were more dented and scratched than the ebay ones. There was even grinder damage where someone in the past had cut or repaired the bodywork and carelessly run across the trim with a grinding disc.
I beat out the dents, filed out the scratches and worked through grades of wet and dry up to 1200 grit before polishing.

So there’s plenty of scope left for those ebay ones albeit they are a bit pricy!

If you need the clips that hold the upper trim they are available at maranello classic parts. I have dealt with Scott Davenport there. They are very cheap in price but get a few extras as they are sprung and have a tendency to break during installation.

[330GT]

The lower ones are most probably Aluminium (dont have any yet to confirm), but the upper ones in the ebay listing aren't.

Lower ones on the 2+2 330s and 250s is aluminum. I think the GTCs they're steel.

Tom

The lower ones on my (and Lowell's) series 2 330 GTs are steel, boxed shaped with part of the back cut-out. However, if I have to make any, I would use some 1/4"x1" aluminum stock.

The upper (triangular shaped) are stainless steel.

[SLM]

SLM,

I'm afraid your incorrect. The trims ARE stainless.

I have spent many hours restoring mine, and I can 100% assure you they're Stainless Steel.

Not from my limited perspective.

[tyang]

Isn't 409 stainless magnetic and 301 non magnetic?

Tom

[racertodd]

409 stainless is magnetic.
Most 300-series stainless alloys are not but with a very strong magnet, you feel a very slight tug on the magnet as it approaches the item.
301 stainless is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but when cold work-hardened it becomes magnetic.

Todd

[SLM]

thanks. I didn't know that.

409 stainless is magnetic.
Most 300-series stainless alloys are not but with a very strong magnet, you feel a very slight tug on the magnet as it approaches the item.
301 stainless is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but when cold work-hardened it becomes magnetic.

Todd

[racertodd]

Also found a method to determine positively if a piece of metal is stainless or not. It is based on the fact that chromium is what makes steel "stainless". This must be done on raw metal, any plating must be removed first.

I haven't personally tried this, but it's on the Internet so it has to be true, no?

"On mild steel, exposure of the raw steel to a 5% solution of copper sulphate will cause it to plate out with copper, forming a metallic copper-colored deposit. Adding a bit of hydrochloric acid to the copper sulfate can assist in the plating process. However, just wetting some sandpaper with copper sulfate works well if you sand vigorously. If the steel alloy has any content of chromium, it will not plate with copper, wipe it dry and all you will see is shiny stainless steel."

Another method is to place a large drop of tap water on the item and let it sit overnight. Mild steel will form a light rust stain, stainless will not.

Todd

[330GT]

Here's a picture of the profile of the lower pinch weld trim.

[cory]

Thanks Kerry. Is that off of your series II?

[330GT]

Thanks Kerry. Is that off of your series II?

Yes, but the PF body parts manual shows the same part number for all models.

[cory]

I was able to source a really nice set of lower rocker panel trim pieces. They will not be on the car for a little bit. If anybody needs pics or dimensions while they are off you can email me at coryhill581@yahoo.com.
Thanks for everybodies help!