Old molding vs new molding

[sargentrs]

Ok, so I've scored some recent buys on molding for my truck. Picked up a set of 8' upper bed molding NOS for $100 a couple of months ago, still in the original package. Now I've gotten a complete set of lower molding + the upper fender molding, used, for $52 (including shipping). Some of the used stuff has some pitting, one pc has a dent and all need the black stripes redone. I figure if I can salvage even a couple of pieces of the used stuff, I'll be ahead of the game. The question is...Can the old stuff be cleaned and polished to match the new stuff or will it need to be stripped and re-anodized to get it to match. I'm sure some of you guys have mixed old and new molding before and can give me some pointers as to which direction I should go so it all matches. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[basketcase0302]

Keith posted the process here somewhere Randy. It's a polishing process using lye. I'm sure maybe one of the older members here can point your toward the information. You should also know that DC bought the original tooling for the moulding from Ford so that should the moulding that comes from them should look at close to original as anything.

[sargentrs]

Thanks for the tip Jeff! At least 2 of the used pieces are probably not salvageable so I may be buying new to replace 'em. That's why I'm concerned about matching as close as possible. Hate to have to put a new next to an old and have it look like crap. I'll try to search out Keith's post but if anybody happens to have it handy, I'd appreciate it.

[sargentrs]

Got it! http://www.fordification.com/tech/polishing-trim.htm I love Google.