Smart Parts Accent Trim Tips and Installation

The Smart Parts Accent Trim, can be bent, trimmed, and repolished quite easily to fit any hot rod or custom interior installation.

First take the trim out of the wrapping and clean any excess polish compound.

Apply a strip of ¾” auto body grade masking tape to the finished edge, carefully laying the tape down with no creases, apply tape to full length of strip, then mark the tapped locations on the tape so you can determine where to make your cuts to best use the predrilled mounts. Leave the tape on the strips until you are finished cutting, bending and polishing. Also note that bending of the strips is best in areas where there are no holes, as this area is weakened and can snap if not careful, screwing in a 6-32 stud, or screw will help but caution still must be taken. Annealing the strips first may also help. The strips can be cut with a band saw or hack saw, filled, sanded and repolished.

To bend the strips, use ¾” plywood for your bending jig. Determine the approximate bend shape and cut the plywood with a tighter radius than the finished radius, as the strips will have spring back, and will not form to a “finished” radius. Screw the jig to a table, position your strip tight up against the jig, and screw another ¾” block tight to the strip to hold that end tight. Pull the strip around the jig, supporting the strip as you go, and being careful about tapped areas.

It is best to cut your strips extra long, and cut to a final length after bending, as the extra length helps with the leverage necessary to do nice smooth bends. Left and right side pieces should be bent at the same time to keep the bends identical, by placing finished edges together you will get equal left and right bends. Also note it is easier to adjust your design to a finished bent piece than try to bend the strip to a predetermined shape.