I would like to improve the the appearance of the rocker panels on my 72. They have some minor blemishes and scratches. They are original to the car and I would like to keep them, but they do need some work and possibly re-anodized.

Is it possible to remove the scratches and if I have them re-anodized well I have a problem matching the original finish and color?

It depends on how deep the scratches are. On my 79, I stripped the paint off (most of the panel on a 79 is painted) and then went over it with steel wool. After that I metal polished the dickens out of them. They turned out pretty well, but I left them all natural. hth.

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"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Tough question....

To be honest I'd just order a new after market pair.(they are NOT expensive) ... BUT keep the originals stored ....

Original vs repro trim rings however is a much more difficult decision the originals stand out and will be noted by the guys who know...

OPPS...Welcome to these forums...  let me guess your turn signals/running lights  have a clear bulb under a yellow face plate...wheras the 71 had a yellow bulb under a clear face plate...and the 70 and a clear bulb under a clear face plate...   abot the only difference between these cars LOL

Bob G

I just mounted my aftermarket ones for my 72. I can tell you that the aftermarket ones were not 100% exactly as the originals as far as fitbut I did get them mounted up and in pretty good placement. As for polishing them I cant answer, I know I couldnt have polished mine since the previous owner had to be bubba and he used an orbital sander on them when he painted the car!
Rodney


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Bob -- FYI, late model '71s also had a clear bulb under an amber lense.  Mine is almost the end of the production run and has the '72 setup.  I've seen others as well. Mike

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 The "SHOP" site above has some listed in the e-bay parts list. I bought some a while back that were O.E.M. and look real nice. They were used , but good enough for me.   Mark

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Click on image for full view

I had the same situation with my 71 Jerry. Aluminum is so soft that its impossible to work out the small dents. As for the scratches I tried a lot of different polishes and wool but it just left more scratches. I ordered a pair of aftermarket and they were brushed alum. not even close to looking original. I sent them back to Corvette Central and paid the big buck for the better ones. You can tell the difference between OE and the others, but they still look nice. 

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Click on images for Before and After pics!

I bought a set off of ebay - great prices - repro but awesome!!  And I sold my old set for $75!!

Right now, there is a long wait for the good ones, and they aren't really good.  But there are services that can work miracles on used ones.  Aluminum is pretty workable.  Pretty deep scratches can be sanded and buffed, and about any dent can be pounded out.  I screw them to the bench top and use a buffer on a die grinder to buff them without throwing them across the room.

Larry