BJ8 Windshield re-chrome

[Cutlass]

Just dragged the windshield from the attic today, and, sure enough, the chrome needs help. Apparently it is chrome plated metal, not aluminum, but not steel either. So what is the metal? Brass like the vent wing frame? Plated stainless? I know the plater will find out, but I want to know in advance, before I start disassembly.

 

[Cutlass]

Ok, for those who are interested, the main horizontal and vertical pieces are extruded brass. The pillar assemblies are just that, appaarently assemblies of machined brass (the chrome plated part), with stainless steel and mild steel parts riveted thereto. The channels are pretty straightforward for re-chroming, but for a proper job I believe that the pillar assembly must be disassembled. The trick there is to find the proper rivets for re-assembly.

One more thing. On the vertical channels, there are four slotted holes for attaching the corner braces. Being brass, some of mine are wallowed out. Has anyone had any luck repairing such wear by brazing then re-milling? I do have access to a vertical mill for such purposes, but am a bit wary of attempting to braze the channel.

 

[GregW]

I’m pretty sure British Car Specialist has the rivets. There was a thread a while ago about reassembling the window frame. John Loftus was involved in that.

 

[Cutlass]

Thanks, Greg. I did read that thread. Very helpful. I did a complete restoration of my MGB several years ago, down to the last nut and bolt, but the most frustrating part by far was putting new glass and rubber in the windshield frame. AAARG!

I would like to know whether anyone has attempted a disassembly of the pillar for re-chroming.

 

[John_Progess]

I just reassembled my windshield after replating. I was told by the chrome shop that disassembling the posts would be necessary for proper polishing after plating so that is what I did. I got my rivits from British Car Specialists. I made my own tool out of a pair of vice grips for attaching the small rivits to the stainless section and the top hook but for the larger steel rivits I borrowed a rivit squeezer. I did not feel good about just pounding the steel rivits with a ballpein hammer. Have a good day!

John

 

[Cutlass]

Thanks. The BCS catalog lists the found and braizer head rivets, but not the two flat head rivets. Did you find a source for those?

 

[Cutlass]

John: The braizer head rivets in my original windshield are stainless steel. The BCS catalog lists the replacements as nickel plated brass. Obviously this would be quite a difference in strength, durabiity, etc. Think that's a problem?

 

[John Loftus]

Hi Cutlass,

I found some flat head SS rivets at a surplus store and I still have at least 4 of them if you need them. I did get 6 round head rivets from BCS but didn't use them. BTW, they are steel or SS (they are slightly magnetic which some SS can be)and not nickel plated but have a dull dark grey finish. I guess they could be polished but haven't tried. PM with your address and I'll send them out.

Cheers,
John

 

[Cutlass]

Thanks, John. However, it takes about fourteen of the stainless rivets to do the job. I'll talk with BCS tomorrow to get their take on it. I can find the right rivets on the internet, but I'll probably have to buy a couple of thousand. Thanks so much for the offer, though.

Speaking of rivets, today I riveted the rear shroud to the boot floor and rail. The car's at the body shop, and they will now be able to put the final color over the new rivets. Pretty cool.

 

[Jerry]

group,

Do any of you know of a place that rents the rivet squeezer? A chain store with an office in Sacramento area would be best.

Jerry