[Roadsters] Chrome Questions

[Graeme]

My advice having trod this path myself: - 1. I used an oxy torch to weld on
a "handle" to any broken threads.
The heat was sufficient to unseize the thread from the parent metal.
I still used a penetrant, time and patience then usually a carefull twist
would break the threads free and extraction followed. You should drill out
those rivets to separate the pieces for re-finishing. I'm gussing that a
normal stainless steel pop rivet is probaly the only way of re-assembling
them.
2. The wear pads for the 1/4 window latches simply unclip from the frame
upright. They are stainless steel.
Just use a flat blade screwdriver to ease up one side of the pad and they
will spring off.
The upper pivots should also be removed, once again a SS pop rivet could be
used to re-fit.
Unless you can get some SS bifurcated rivets [rivets with two legs that can
be spread to clamp the pieces] to give the OEM appearance.
3. I would suggest purchasing new winders and handles if you can to
alleviate problems here.
4. As long as a work piece can be made electrically conductive, it can be
chromed.
The wrinkle gray can be re-applied over a chromed item, just roughen the
surface and use a good quality primer.
If you decide to apply a clear coat onto the dash wrinkle, use a satin or
matte finish since it is supposed to be non-reflective.
5. Rechroming the reflectors would be best but a good quality silver or
chrome paint may be just as effective and cheaper.
6. The internal rear view mirror is fairly easy to dissemble, drill out the
rivets and viola. However the mirror will need to be removed and is usually
done by breaking it. You probably deserve a new high tech tinted mirror
after all these years! As for the fender mounted mirrors, I would advise
getting new parts. Unless you are anal about renovating all the original
hardware. I was at first [anal that is] but eventually decided that new
replacements were more economical than the manhours involved in renovating
the original parts.
7. Once again, buy a replacement.
8. Screws! Well my plan is to replace all the original chromed screws and
fasteners with SS UNF/UNC fasteners.
I already have a swag of correct head Stainless Steel screws to re-assemble
the soft top frame so I intend to replace all the others with SS as well.
Your original fasteners may be well and truly past it and it may be
uneconomical and perhaps a waste/unsafe to have them refinished.

Just my thoughts and experience to date.
P.S. 3 stage chroming is VERY expensive nowadays, you might want to
reconsider just how much you want to get done.
There is a LOT of chroming on the Roadster and costs will skyrocket once you
get it all in a box!