So I couldn't find a set of stainless steel vent window frames

[Merc Cruzer]

I have been looking for a set of stainless steel vent window frames for my 53' Mercury convertible, with no luck. They came stock on the 52' Ford and Mercury's, 2 door hardtop and convertibles, but were later changed in 52', to pot-metal, due to the shortage of stainless steel, during the Korean war.

I am not surprised as to the unsuccessful search, so I looked into having the ones on my car chromed. A place in Sacramento wanted $150 each. Another place in Ogden, wanted $600-$650 each.

Since I had a back up set, I wondered if they could be sanded and polished. I completely dissembled the frames, then sanded and polished the main piece, then reassembled the frames with new crush rivets. Bottom line is yes they can. I did the back up set first, to perfect the process, then took mine off the car, and did them. They are better than the SS trim that I removed and polished.

[19Fordy]

CONGRATULATIONS. Well done.

[tubman]

Good job. As the owner of a 1951 Ford, I understand the "Korean War Chrome" problem.

[Merc Cruzer]

Just look at it as another option, until you hit the lotto. It also might explain why all my spare parts look like NOS. Way too much time on my hands, between COVID and Winter.

[Merc Cruzer]

Now about those 52'-53' Mercury taillight lens holders. You can salvage those pot-metal taillight lens holders. You can do them yourself in a day or two for minimal cost. You will need a drill, pad, sticky backed sanding paper (220), a Dremel and a Dremel kit (that you can get at Harbor freight). Buff it out on the buffing wheel and then apply a coat of Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish to protect them. How about a before and after shot, on a single picture.

[5851a]

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I'm amazed, nice work. I think of all those pot metal castings that I walked by in salvage yard with pits. SMH

[Alex Mcknz]

That is such a cool build, you did a job well done modifying this classic car.

[KiWinUS]

Well done. Looks amazing. Your hero material.

[Merc Cruzer]

Just offering another option, that is as bit more cost sensitive, than having everything re-chromed. If you have the money and time to have the parts re-chromed, I fully recommend it. But if you don't, this might give you an alternative, to salvage the original parts on you car.

Thank you all, for your positive feedback.