tailgate/cab band trim repair

[montes57]

Seen a few videos/write ups on how to effectively polish these trim pieces but nothing really on repair of small dings. Anyone have success in doing so? These are on a recently purchased 86 Silverado parts truck i purchased. While truck itself is trashed beyond saving, i bought it for the bed which appears original. Other than a few dings and a bed support sill, it as well as tailgate are in great shape. It will be going on my 77C10. I really like these trim pieces, and would love to use them if i can straighten them out. Polishing is really straightforward however didn't want to attempt knocking out dents without doing my homework 1st. Any insight regarding this would be appreciated

 

[carfanatic63]

I know the tailgate panel is anodized so polishing won't work unless you remove the anodization. I used a cheap spray in oven cleaner, let it sit for a minute, then brushed it with steel wool.

I clear coated afterwards and mine is holding up fine.

No clue on removing dents. I'm not a body man so I didn't even try

 

[montes57]

I did read that, regarding the oven cleaner, was gonna go that route, thanks for input though. Since this is dented to begin with i didn't mind giving it the "college try" repairing. Ive seen side moldings for tri five chevys That were dinged up pretty bad repaired but we are talking about a different metal, stainless steel vs. thinner aluminum so....... idk.

 

[Grit dog]

^Theyre double layer plus the full length mounting bracket so idk how one would easily pound out a dent or ding. I hire my thought bout it and determined it would require cutting and welding possibly and bending to remove the face or skin.
The cab trim is not double wall though.