All things side molding

[gbeaird]

Figured I'd start a thread here in the 'technical' section, instead of where I'm asking questions in the 'Parts wanted' section, so some tech is preserved.

We got all the molding I ordered in-house, and after comparing them to what I think are the OEM parts, have arrived at one we'll use. Now, the question is: how do you cut a bevel on the ends? A good look is to have beveled ends, especially at the front of the door. I'm not finding a good way to do this. The 'molding cutters' they sell online are little more than long-jaw pruning shears, and when you try to cut at an angle, it just deforms the molding. My hose cutters won't do it either, same thing. Bypass pruning shears, same thing.

I did see one Yuutoober who used a power miter box saw, but that's one of the few tools I'm missing in my inventory. I tried using a cutoff blade with a Dremel, but that's all free-hand, and kind of melts and leaves a rough finish on the cut edges. The only solution I've found so far is to use a scalpel (and I continue to be thankful the CFO here works in the medical industry, so many tools are useful on cars), but you can't stop cutting after you start. The finish is 'ok', but about the best I've found so far.

So I'll ask here, does anyone have tried-and-true solution for cutting molding at an angle? Thanks.

The link to the 'Parts wanted' thread is here:

[MIKESVO]

Gene -
I cut it to length and used a box cutter to get the same angle as original. Fine sanded the rough cut.
Mike

[gbeaird]

Hmm, didn't think of fine sandpaper. I'll try that on a scrap piece. Thanks.

[gbeaird]

Haven't given up on this project, but am still waiting a different profile molding to be delivered. It's been on order since early December. I've emailed the vendor for an update.

Edit to add: Yes, 5/8" molding does fit the groove on the SVO. It completely spans the width of the groove, but it does fit.

[gbeaird]

STILL waiting for the other molding to show up. I definitely do NOT recommend Brandsport for this stuff, and starting to think Car Pretty Automotive is on the same scam level as Brandsport!!

[scenario]

Did you figure out the cutting of the molding? If not you could try heating up a razor blade (box cutter blade) with a propane torch. Might cut a bit easier..

Do you have ANY original molding? I might have a pc or 2 that I could give you...I have to see what I have but I do have some

[gbeaird]

I have what I think is OEM molding profile for the whole car, it's just that the door pieces are almost exactly 1" too short, and it's obvious when you hold them up to the door. It's starting to look like I may have to use them, though!

I tried a single-edge razor in a propane torch. It softened the metal so much that it actually bent the metal when trying to press it through the vinyl. That, and the blade quickly cooled so it only got about 1/3 the way through the piece before it quit cutting/melting. I had thought of using a box cutter blade with propane, but was going to wait for the other two profiles to show up before I experimented on them. I also have a couple of fresh chisels that I can try, since the blades are much thicker/stiffer and the tips are pretty much razor sharp. Just haven't yet, because I was hoping I'd get my molding this century!!

[gbeaird]

The other profile molding finally arrived from Car Pretty. They were actually nicely responsive, so I wouldn't worry about ordering from them again. I have a lifetime supply of side molding, though.

With the new molding, I tried a couple of things. I tried cutting them at an angle using some hose cutters I have, and then tried using a 3/4" chisel. Both worked okay, but it's hard to manage a straight cut with the hose cutter, and there's still the 'saw marks' when using the chisel. Next up will be a heated box cutter blade.

First picture should be the cuts made with the hose cutter, and second with the chisel.

[Bruce]

I don't think the chisel cut looks bad maybe some sand paper to smooth it out a little. My car came to me with chrome side moldings and though not concourse it looks good. It helps finding my car at reunions.

[gbeaird]

I don't think the chisel cut looks bad maybe some sand paper to smooth it out a little. My car came to me with chrome side moldings and though not concourse it looks good. It helps finding my car at reunions.

I was thinking of trying a buffing wheel with some polish on it to see if it cleans up the marks, or just melts the end. Can't get to the bench grinder, though, as all our plants are in the well house between the door and the grinder, for now.

[scenario]

I think you can cut the molding with anything. Even cut it straight bc it doesnt matter and THEN use a right angle die grinder (a pneumatic one). The grinder could use the plastic abrasive disk and sandpaper discs to shape it perfect. I would try this if I was cutting it. I would give it a try anyway bc you dont know until you do it...

https://www.amazon.com/Compressed-Gr...99e76c989&th=1

[gbeaird]

Correct, although, I'd think a die grinder would be spinning too fast and actually melt, vs. cut/polish the ends. I have an electric die grinder I can try. I also have a Dremel, which I'd expect to be a little lighter-duty. Willing to try almost anything at this point.

It would be fascinating to see how the OEMs do it when building cars.

[Bruce]

Dremel tools run awfully fast so the melt end would be seem likely. Maybe just a cigarette lighter would be enough. Sounds like you have plenty of stock to test with now at any rate.

[Erics SVO]

I don't think the chisel cut looks bad maybe some sand paper to smooth it out a little. My car came to me with chrome side moldings and though not concourse it looks good. It helps finding my car at reunions.

At least yours aren't the metal ends that are riveted on like my 85 that came from AZ....

[Erics SVO]

I'd be more apt to do a straight cut then angle it appropriately. Probably less fidgeting to get the angles to match.