Triumph Repair: 76 Spit - various questions, bits and bobs, boat tops

Question
Hi again, a couple more questions about my car --

When I shift into 3rd from 2nd, and especially downshift from 4th to 3rd,
there's often a really bad grind or a clunk -- the grind is more readily
avoidable if I am vaery very careful and shift slowly, the clunk is more
sporadic and a bit more alarming -- ideas?

Also, do you have any suggestions for restoring the black on bits and bobs
around the car? I used a product I got at the auto shop and while it did
restore the black, it seems to have corroded it all a bit and it's slightly greasy
to the touch and black dust will come off now.  Tips on the vyback window as
well?  

That should be it for now -- thanks so much for all your help!

Answer
Thomas,

Let's see...

1)  Gear shift "clunk" or grind.  If it's not happening in other gears and you have no trouble getting into reverse then it's most likely the syncho on 3rd gear.  The only remedy is a rebuild.

2)  Restoring the "black chrome" pieces?   Two possible ideas.  One is to see if there's a local metal plating shop nearby and asking if they can anodize the pieces black.  The other option would be to have all the trim pieces powercoated black.

3)   Softtop windows?  Check in at the local boat store and see what they recommend..  most boat tops use similar plastic windows.

Cheers,

Jim