The Ford Barn - '29 std coupe, chrome radiator cover?

The Ford Barn (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/index.php)

- Model A (1928-31) (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3)

- - '29 std coupe, chrome radiator cover? (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165342)

'29 std coupe, chrome radiator cover?

On his thread, LSJUNIPER noticed my avatar pic and asked if my chrome rad cover is original. In my ignorance, I never thought to question it. It seems to have the proper amount of aging to match the rest of the car...

And it seems most every one I have ever seen is chrome.

However, in searching the forum I found this:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...6&postcount=15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timothy Kelly (Post 184886)

Based on both the Judging Standards and personal observation of unmolested cars:

Nickel was used throughout 1928 and 1929,

Beginning in April, the plating switched from Nickel to Chrome for Town Cars,

Later in 1929 (September / October ?) some radiator shells were Chrome plated. I suspect these shells were likely installed on Town Sedans and Cabriolets.

So, I guess the question is, is there some way to tell if it's original? The car was repainted at one time.

Re: '29 std coupe, chrome radiator cover?

I would say from your photo that it is an original because it appears to have the bell-shaped emboss around the crank hole. Current repros have a circular emboss. However, yours does look like it is chrome plated, but that's hard to tell in the pix. It should be nickle plated to be correct for your year. Yours might be an earlier repro. There are other features that would determine it for sure. Talk to a knowledgeable local guy who can look at it.