Painted radiator shell
 

I have a non chromed but Rusty painted radiator shell. It appears to be off a Model A style car. What year did they use painted radiator shells

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

All years on commercial trucks.

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

The painted carbon steel radiator shells were generally used throughout production for the commercial vehicles - pick up trucks, etc. The AA's had the same shell style as the A's from 1928-early/mid 1930. After that, the AA radiator shell did not have the widow's peak at the top.

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

Thank you for the information. Can you please describe what a Widow's Peak is

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

The widow's peak is where at the top inside of the shell it comes down to a slight point and is not straight across.

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

Widows peak on pickup truck (1st photo), flat across the top on large trucks (AA)(2nd photo).

Charlie Stephens

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

1928 and 1929 cars had nickle plated shells. The nickle wears off over the years and owners sometimes then paint the shell. 1930 and 1931 cars had stainless shells.

The earlier shells are shorter than the later shells.

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

Generally the only chrome was on bumpers. There are some minor exceptions.

Re: Painted radiator shell
 

Without sanding, I painted a chrome shell with "CAST-BLAST"---Sticks like CRAZY & looked quite GOOD!
Bill Oddball