Every time I see this car pop up on the main page, I keep trying to recall the alternative that I saw used on a Desoto wagon resto years ago: All that nice stainless steel angular panel is really hard to find even in raw sheet today. BUT today my brain kicked in and recalled the product name! It's called Chrome Mylar! You handle it like woodgrain vinyl. If you remember some of the late 50's interiors, they used it in seat backs and piping and door panels. Here it is in a 1962 Galaxie convert, but they don't show the interior: http://www.galaxieparts.com/1962_Ford_Galaxie.html A 1960 Buick (seat pic at the bottom): http://home.wideopenwest.com/~gcockerill/1960_buick_020.htm And BMW window trim: http://www.data.bmrparts.com/bmwparts/2066.html If it worked on those, ain't no reason to stop now. Here's a couple sources and threads: http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.200211/msg00048.html http://www.kraftwareonline.com/acatalog/Brushed_Chrome_Mylar.html http://www.kraftwareonline.com/acatalog/Faux_Metals___The_Mylar_Collections.html http://www.autoamenity.com/Body-Molding/Body-Side-Molding.htm The right type to use has a clear coating over the chrome layer, just like the woodie trim and vinyl. If that breaks open, it starts to turn yellow. http://www.customautotrim.com/blog/2006/05/caring-for-your-body-side-molding/ If you look at the body side moldings or Chrome menu items, it might give you a few ideas? http://www.customautotrim.com/products/chrome/ http://www.customautotrim.com/products/moldings/body.htm And of course, where to get it: http://www.mylarstoreonline.com/ This is more industry grade. The one above is for plants and greenhouses. http://www.rplastics.com/mylar.html Mylar tapes too in different colors and finishes: http://www.tapebrothers.com/Mylar-Tapes-s/298.htm I didn't find any 'textured' mylar, but the upholstery vinyl guys should have some regular vinyl with textured finishes in bright metals. (Naugahyde, etc.)
Just found it - Metallized Vinyls with patterns and textures. Its from Avery and its a PDF: http://www.na.averygraphics.com/PDFs/PD_Sheets/PDS_SF_100_Metallized_Vinyl.pdf http://www.na.averygraphics.com/ They call it part of their Kraft line (StaFlat) SF100 or 100 series. That PDF is in this list of files: http://www.na.averygraphics.com/search.asp?search=Kraft&x=15&y=17
They've got another series too for vehicle graphics (UVA and UVB sun resistance properties) http://www.na.averygraphics.com/AvGrNA_900UC.asp http://www.na.averygraphics.com/AvGrNA_Docs.asp And how to work it, print on it, cut it and install it: http://www.reflectives.averydennison.com/Instructional_Bulletins.asp Naugahyde don't have any metallized vinyls, but they can probably offer tips to some of their customers who do the inlaying and laminating. http://www.naugahyde.com/products.asp
Here we go! http://www.specialty-graphics.com/2827_FDC_Diamond_Sign_Vinyl.html http://www.specialty-graphics.com/2828_FDC_Carbon_Sign_Vinyl.html These guys seem to have that door panel beading in different textures and patterns: http://www.wjtdistributing.com/osC/index.php?cPath=52 And this is a great spot too! http://www.signsupply.com/Vinyl/FDC/FDC_Index.asp Click on a brand name icon to see what Effects and colors they have: http://www.signsupply.com/Vinyl/Vinyl_Vending_Machine.asp
Thanks SS. You know how you pick up a set of solid door panels and the bright trim is peeling off? One of those guys has a solution. Because that's the same stuff the factory used. If its already got the adhesive, I'll bet a heat gun and wooden skewers or a copper-sheetmetal spatula would do the trick to lay on a new surface. Cheap too by the looks of it (under $20?) Works for me.
I've seen that stuff used on fishing lures. http://www.apexfishinglures.com/products_flashers.php They also make sail repair tape: http://www.marinemegastore.com/product-product-SEA_51_19.htm
