Brushstrokes of the Old Masters
Story & photographs by J.C.Oliphant
When restoring any classic car, one of your toughest problems can be in dealing with all that chromed trim. While not nearly so resplendent as their siblings of a decade earlier, 1960's Fords do have a fair share of the shiny stuff. At least, it used to be shiny. Some thirty years later, most chromeplate is a mass of scratches, nicks, or those deep blemishes called "pits". And, with so much chrome around us, there's just no ignoring this situation.
If you have enough time or money, you might be able to find better parts. And, if you're willing to accept a bit less originality, cheap replacements for some parts are now available. But there are a few pieces so rare that even diligence, deep pockets, and low standards won't help you! Any list of such parts would surely include the "brushed" console trim found in 1967 Mustangs and other FoMoCo cars of this period. (Notable examples are 1965-66 Galaxies and 1970-71 Torinos -- Ed.)
|
|
Search and Rescue
You've probably heard these parts referred to as "brushed aluminum", or "brushed stainless". In reality, they're made of a zinc-based alloy called pot metal. Its a popular base material, cheap and easy to cast, but must be coated to prevent corrosion. Some protection (as well as that shiny, textured look) was added by Ford's unique plating process. Sadly, this treatment didn't hold up in anything harsher than climate-controlled storage. That's why most of our console trim now looks like the ashtray lid, at left.
Since good replacements are scarce, you might think about using a professional replating service. There are two big problems with this option: poor results & high cost. Most chrome shops do everything by machine, resulting in a part that's had most of its defining ridges buffed off. So, unless you find someone with the expertise and willingness to duplicate a "concours" look, your only option is to do it yourself.
But are your parts good enough for reconditioning? Deep pits are probably a lost cause, at least for a do-it-yourselfer. The ashtray lid shown above does have potential, but I'd say its at the lower end of usability. Any worse than this, better hit the swaps or the online classifieds. Ideally, look for parts that have pitting in accessible places ....like those on the "brushed" surface. Avoid parts with pitting on the shallow "step" surrounding this area.
NEXT: Duck and Cover?
|
