Change out window frames

[Ccporsche]

I'm looking at an SC but I've really always liked the chrome windows frames that were used in the earlier models.

How difficult would it be to either switch the frames out to chrome or get these chrome?

Any cost estimate would be helpful too.

Thanks

[snbush67]

Its pretty much straight forward, the early frames fit fine, I replaced mine with the opening vent windows in chrome.

I purchased the old parts from the pelican classifieds for next to nothing. For your first time you can figure about four to eight hours if everything goes right.

[Trackrash]

It is possible to strip off the black, and have the frames polished and anodized. There are a couple of threads where that was done to the black trim. Some of the early cars did have chromed trim. My '71 has anodized aluminum however.

[snbush67]

[SC Eddie]

Here's my 1980 with sanded and polished frames.

[Ccporsche]

Originally Posted by SC Eddie

Here's my 1980 with sanded and polished frames.

Looks great! Thanks for the picture.

Why didn't you do the windshield frame?

[Ccporsche]

Thanks for the info, guys. I didn't know it was possible to sand and polish the original frames. That's a great option. Did you guys sand and polish them yourselves or did you have a shop do it?

[Sebscst]

I am in in the process of doing mine. I sanded the anodizing off with 120 grit ( no it is not too aggressive) i am going to try chemical stripping on some pieces. I then followed with 240,400,800,1000,3000 and finally polish. It didn't take as long as you think. I also did the door handles which were chrome and i didn't like the look. The polished aluminum looks awesome.
The bottom handle is original chrome plate
This is the front windshield trim. I did a small portion so you can see the horrible state the trim is in and how good it looks when done.
Good luck

[Arne2]

Some of the later black-trim cars (like my '84) are no longer black anodized, but apparently black powder coated. Paint stripper will easily remove it to nice, clean aluminum. It's on my list.

[SC Eddie]

"Why didn't you do the windshield frame?" PO did the sand and shine, don't know why, he didn't do either the rear or front, maybe he just ran outa steam!

[Ccporsche]

Thanks for the pictures Sebscst! It looks like you have done a great job! Make sure to post the car once you're done.

So, from what Arne 2 said - this can be done on any year - for instance if I got a 3.2 Carrera?

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by Ccporsche

So, from what Arne 2 said - this can be done on any year - for instance if I got a 3.2 Carrera?

Yup, any pre-964. While I haven't done it (yet), a fellow Pelican down the road a ways did it to his '87 G50 coupe. Looks good.

[Ccporsche]

Originally Posted by Arne2

Yup, any pre-964. While I haven't done it (yet), a fellow Pelican down the road a ways did it to his '87 G50 coupe. Looks good.

Id like to see some pictures of his. Any chance you could contact him or give me his contact info?

[Arne2]

Don't need to contact him, here's a post out of one of his threads here:

My 87 Carrera

[Ccporsche]

Originally Posted by Arne2

Don't need to contact him, here's a post out of one of his threads here:

My 87 Carrera

Thanks for the link!

His car looks great. I will for sure be doing the same. Now I just have to find a car