Vendo 80

Howdy,
I'm looking for a pair of the stainless trim panels found on the front of the dressed up Vendo 80.  They are in the basket weave pattern and cover the areas on the front door on either side of the coin door.  I could also use some new stainless trim pieces that go around those basket weave panels.  Thanks to anyone who can help.
A J

[sodaworks]

Hello Lonestaraggie,
 I always use the original trim when possible. The plastic automotive trim works good too. You can buy a roll from a automotive paint retailer for around 20 bucks. You will need a heat gun to make the rounded corners. Tape down one end using a piece of duct tape, make your corner bend by using a heat gun. When you get the shape you desire tape down the second end. Allow the trim to cool in the shape that you desire. Now all you have to do is peel the backing and mount your trim. As for the stainless panels, these are going to be harder to find. I seen some used on a machine once that were just polished stainless and it looked great. I'm wondering if you could take your old pieces to your local steel supplier to see if it could be matched? Terry
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Thanks for the reply Terry!  I'm thinking I will have to use the originals as you suggested.  I really don't understand how, but the original basket weave stainless panels have bad rust pitting in spots.  I never thought stainless could rust like that but it did, and it's got to be the hardest rust I've ever tried to remove.  Not even naval jelly will take it off.  I have to scrape it from the low spots with a sharp edge.  I'm hoping that having the panels chromed will fill the small pits left by the rust.  The trim has a few dings in it and the same pitting from rust.  So far my efforts to straighten the dings has been doing more damage than good.  I'm hoping that someone on here has taken the trim off their machine to create an old style red top and would be willing to sell their old trim.  It's a long shot for sure but I'm hoping.  Thanks!
A J

[sodaworks]

If your origianal trim has dings try taking it to a good polishing shop. You'll be amazed at what they can do. I had a trim piece that I was going to throw out because it had been pried almost completely over. I decided that since I was going to the polishing shop that I would let them look at it. It looked brand new when I returned for it. Terry

[Eric]

Check with a guy named Randy with Nostalgic Restoration Service in Ozark Missouri.
He restores machines and pumps and has a lot of machines... he may have one he's
willing to part out or trade something for. I know he has quite a few square tops too....
Just call information for his number... I think he may have a site also...

Great guy.... busy guy. I've traded with him and always treats me fair!
Randy if you're out there and reading this... hope you don't mind me sending these
folks your way!
Good Luck

Eric

Thanks for the info.  I will send an email off to randy to see what he's got.  Which polishing shop do you use sodaworks?  Is there any chance you could put me in contact with them or act as my liason to get my trim fixed up?  I would really prefer to use someone reputable with a proven track record.  Thanks!
A J

[sodaworks]

I use a shop here in Central Ca., it is located in Bakersfield. If you can't find a reputable shop in your area let me know. I would be more than happy to hook you up. Are you in Texas?Terry

Hey Terry, Yeah, I'm in College Station Texas, about 90 miles north of Houston.  I've never had any plating or polishing done around here though.  I may be having to get the coin entry bezel redone too.  It's pretty badly pitted and I'm not sure what I'm going to be able to get out of it.  If you're heading that way sometime soon I would be thrilled if you would let me ship the trim parts to you to take in to the polishing shop.  Thanks!
A J

[loman4ec]

I have a great polisher in daytona Beach. I now live in Oh but I still send everything to him. He does a great job and he is a great person. His # is (386)846-5421 or his website is www.getpolished.com. He normally works on motorcycles and some airplane parts. He really does great work and is really inexpensive. Oh yeah his name is Henry.

Great, thanks for the info.  I would love to put the original trim back on that machine.  I took the basket weave stainless panels in to be sand blasted and chromed because they were so heavily rusted and pitted.  I really have my doubts about the stainless trim that goes around them.  they are smashed almost flat in spots and are kinked in some places.  I cant help but wonder if it is really possible to get them back to thier original rounded profile.  Thanks to all of you for the help!
A J

[loman4ec]

If they are that bad I think you are out of luck. I use the plastic stuff on my square tops and it looks great. I have heard that it works just as good on the ri=ound tops.

Are these polishing shops just listed as "Polishing Shop" in the yellow Pages? Or should I look under a different name? I'm brand new to this polishing shop thingie.

[loman4ec]

My polisher would probably be under motorcycle service or something like that. But you might look under automotive detailing.

[MoonDawg]

Try "Metal polishing & plating"