Lower rocker moldings for '69 Nova

[earntaz]

Originally Posted by '69Novajoe

As much as I hate to admit it, I pulled a real bone-head move this past Saturday. I was getting ready to do my annual oil change on the Nova and put the ramps I've used in the past at the bottom of the driveway. Bad decision, because the driveway is already on a slant and I usually put them on a flat, or nearly flat, surface. Anyway, as I drove them up on the ramps it "felt" like it was going further than I remembered!! With the car idling, the brake on and clutch in, I opened the door and much to my surprise the ramps were tilted at about a 45 degree angle. I closed the door, thought I put it in reverse and proceeded to ease the clutch out. Well, the car immediately drove off the ramps and ended up stuck under the car right behind the front tires!! I was sick, especially when I saw the lower moldings bent where the "bump" strip from the ramps caught them. I'll try to post pictures later but wanted to ask for advise/suggestions concerning repairing or maybe replacing them. I know that may be a hard question to answer without seeing the damage but I've been told the anodizing process may compromise the appearance of them. Not that I'm looking for show quality parts, just something that isn't dented!!! Thanks for any and all comments.

OUCH -- sounds totally FUBAR ... TAZ

[WILMASBOYL78]

Joe..

very sorry to hear about the mishap.

there are really only 3 choices for the moldings;

-new aftermarket

-NOS [good luck]

-used OEM parts

I have a few odd pieces of used rocker moldings...they aren't show quality but maybe they will help...let me know exactly what pieces you need and I'll check the parts bin.

-wilma

['69Novajoe]

Originally Posted by earntaz

OUCH -- sounds totally FUBAR ... TAZ

Pretty close, but I think it could have been much worse!! My "back-side" is still hurting from me kicking it!!!

Originally Posted by WILMASBOYL78

Joe..

very sorry to hear about the mishap.

there are really only 3 choices for the moldings;

-new aftermarket

-NOS [good luck]

-used OEM parts

I have a few odd pieces of used rocker moldings...they aren't show quality but maybe they will help...let me know exactly what pieces you need and I'll check the parts bin.

-wilma

Thanks Wilma!! I guess repairing them might be out of the question?? A friend has ordered a couple new repros for his Nova. I'm going to see how they look when he gets them. Might be too good for my car!!! As you can see, they are the ribbed moldings that go from behind the front tire back to the rear wheel-well.

The driver's/"good" side........


As you can see they aren't close to show quality!! Maybe not even driver quality, but they are original!!


The passenger/bad side......


I think the exaggerated gap between the molding and bottom of the fender is because it was bent out pretty far??


By the way, anyone know how to get these off without hurting them even more?? I might just use a body shop close to me to do the work. And if anyone knows of anyone who might have these NOS/OEM please let me know!! I'll put the word out with the Nova "community" too. Thanks so much guys!! My "back-side" is already starting to feel better!!