'53 Skylark side trim - ?

[Pontiac59]

I was told by someone restoring a '53 that the side trim on these is chromed steel. But the one I have is pretty clearly stainless steel - not the stamped stainless of most '50's cars, but made out of the same kind of stock they might have stamped forks and other silverwear out of. It then had studs welded to the back to mount it. It seems to have a brushed finish to it rather than being polished to a mirror finish - but that may be due to it's sitting out exposed since the 50's. Were it steel, there'd be signs of rust on it and there are none.

Which is correct? Is there anything unusual about the stainless type trim? It doesn't appear to be something that would be difficult to reproduce, although I am sure finding the heavy gauge sheet of stainless steel to cut it from would not be cheap.

[Guest Dynaflo2]

I am far from a '53 Skylark expert, but I would be surprised if the side trim was plated steel. My '51 Roadie has s/s side trim. I would suggest you put a magnet to the trim. If it's plated steel, the magnet will stick. If it is stainless, it might have a slight tug to it, but not like you get with steel. The exception to that is if they used a cheaper grade of stainless (a 400 grade), commonly used for architectural trim, signage, and muffler stock. That type of stainless is magnetic. I hope this helps.

I must be off...

[Guest doncastor]

The trim is absolutely solid stainless steel. It should be polishedto a mirror finish.

[Stripgear]

Doncastor is correct, it is solid and unique to the '53 Skylark. I think you "may" have made a mistake by putting the car up on Ebay. There are many parts that I saw in the pictures that are unique to that car. All the side trim, all the SS trim aroung the vent windows, the interior SS trim under the rear quarter windows, the front seat backs, etc. Plus many rare items like the hydralic switches and valve under the rear seat.

I restored a car not quite that bad. (see attached) I had some spare pieces left over and I was surprised by what I got for them on Ebay. I shudder to think what that horn ring would go for. There are several guys in Sweden,Norway, etc. and they really bid the prices up. If it doesn't sell, contact me and I'll try to get you a list of the valuable items.

Scott