"butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

First off, does anyone sell a nickel-plated '28-'29 instrument cluster with a proper butler (brushed) finish? I haven't been able to find one.


Second, I used the Scotch-brite pad approach to put the proper finish on the gear shift and emergency brake levers and it worked very well. However, it did not work well on the instrument panel - it was too hard to keep the buff lines parallel and applied evenly. Is there anyone out there that will provide that service? I talked to a couple of metal polishing shops near me but no one wants to or does it.


Thanks for you help!!

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

You might try here. The labels say "Butler finish"

Attachment 516154

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

I've looked at these folks before. They seem to specialize in chrome plating, I don't know if they do nickel. Since chrome plating has been pretty well eliminated here in California, I may use these guys for my bumpers. I haven't talked to them, though. I have family in Wisconsin and may try to pay these guys a visit next time I'm visiting.

There are two nickel plating processes out there. Old-fashioned electrolytic plating is what was likely used in the Model A days. There is a newer process called "electroless nickel" that is widely used on industrial parts for corrosion resistance. I believe that the composition of the electrolytes used in the electroless process can be varied to provide a satin finish. I have a box of parts that I'm going to take to the shop and see if he can match my example of butler finish.

JayJay

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

The labels in the photo state "Butler Finish Nickle."

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Two things....

Dan Bixby may have some finished instrument panels for sale. His are usually fine-point quality. Check with him.


I actually Butler finish the parts that I have Nickle plated. I do mine using a gray Scotchbrite and run honing oil over it while I am scuffing them. Mine have received no deduction in fine-point adjudication. It can be done by free-hand, -it just takes patience. As mentioned above, Terry Meetz's shop can Butler plate them for you.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Isn't chrome plating only a quick flash of chrome over nickel? If they do chrome plating, they do nickel.
I'd ask them.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

You may want try Craig Riker longtime Model Aer in Toledo, Ohio 419-290-4442. He does butler finish for dash panels. He also sells them replated when he has any. Craig is always at Hershey. Also Rencon Plating in Fort Wayne can do butler finish on dash panels and interior door hardware. Sorry I don't have their phone number handy but they are on the internet. Dale Gosa.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Craig retired two years ago ....however he is back to plating again.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

This is correct, the process is usually cyanide copper, then bright nickel, then a chrome flash. The cyanide copper is used in the same way as etch primer is used in painting. If acid copper is used, it is over the top of cyanide copper as acid copper doesn't bond to steel. Then bright nickel, which will level out some small scratches, and provide a high gloss finish. Last layer is chrome, about one minute worth. this provides the bluish tinge and prevents the nickel from tarnishing. If bright nickel is left without chrome, it will dull off and show watermarks and stains etc. This is caused by the brightening agents in the bath, which are generally oxides. The older dull nickel used in the Model A era, that is subsequently polished does not tarnish anywhere as quick and holds its luster a lot longer as it has no brighteners, and therefore no oxides.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Brent - Which gray pad do you recommend - light gray or dark gray? Also, how do I contact Dan Bixby?

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

He did parts this past winter for my 30 standard roadster. He told me he doesn't do bumpers anymore, but he did all the nickel pieces.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

I've had Terry Meetz at Custom Plating Specialist in Brillion, Wisconsin do several items for me recently, including original window cranks and interior door handles and escutcheons.
I would highly recommend his shop. He is familiar with Model A Fords, and did work for 'Doc' Kalinka in years past.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Got stuff from Craig last month…
He’s around just had to back off early in the year due to nickel shortage

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

I agree. I chatted with Craig Friday and he said he could do some stuff for me again.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

I have a panel butler Nickeled for the Northeast speedometer without trip used from December 1929 thru June 1930 so for JS, yours would have to be a December 1929 to be correct. I have a guy in Ft. Worth, TX do mine and no complaints.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Thanks, but mine is a December '28...

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Plating by Craig Riker. I highly recommend Craig.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

For a correct Butler finish in nickel, use abrasive on the bare steel and then have the nickel electroplating applied.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Ford likely did their plating without polishing the parts on those that were butler finish.

Re: "butler" finish for instrument panel?
 

Chrome plating is actually a clear coat. The bright shiny part you see is Nickel. The Chrome protects the Nickle.