door sills travesty

[abiddle]

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. 

[ban617]

Trim parts has them with the rivets I believe ...

[KevinW]

Wow!

[ZLP955]

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.

[HawkX66]

Wow. No excuse for that. What rocks...

[BULLITT65]

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.

[abiddle]

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.

[BULLITT65]

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

[HawkX66]

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.

[Mike S]

 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

[abiddle]

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.

[abiddle]

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

[HawkX66]

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.

[abiddle]

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.

[ban617]

Trim Parts $68.95 with riveted tag & screws .