Raven finish

[Mort]

Am working on restoring headlights and was going through the judging standards for some info. I noticed that from 1930 on it mentions that the nut holding the headlight bucket on was "raven" finished. Although I am not doing this car for judging, I am curious what that finish might be. I think I have seen it referenced in other places in the standards. I did search the threads in the forum and find it mentioned there also, but not a good explanation of what is is. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Thanks

[jimvette59]

Don't quote me on this but I think it is like a black. Like gun bluing. I have restored some spark plugs using the Eastwood process.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

it looked similar to black oxide finish common on today's tools, but was not as durable.

Brattons says this about it:

The so called “Raven Finish”is a dark dye mixed with oil. This is a temporary finish and will begin to rust within a few months after installing, unless it is sealed by spraying with a clear coat or painting black.




Eastwood sells a kit that makes a similar finish. Some guys dip a red hot part in dirty crankcase oil to get a similar finish. Some use flat black paint.

[metalho]

Originally Posted by pat in Santa Cruz

it looked similar to black oxide finish common on today's tools, but was not as durable.

Brattons says this about it:

The so called “Raven Finish”is a dark dye mixed with oil. This is a temporary finish and will begin to rust within a few months after installing, unless it is sealed by spraying with a clear coat or painting black.




Eastwood sells a kit that makes a similar finish. Some guys dip a red hot part in dirty crankcase oil to get a similar finish. Some use flat black paint.

I'm assuming the reason dirty crank case oil is used is to introduce carbon? Ive case hardened alot of gun parts using carbon, ground up bone and leather. Not that this information helps anyone..............

[Mort]

No, this method works with any oil. Lots of smiths also use a combination of linseed oil and beeswax, makes the finish just as black but with a little sheen on it. When used motor oil is applied like this, the iron (steel) is not nearly hot enough to absorb any carbon. The used motor oil just makes it a little more of a darker, flat black. Therefore I think the similarity to raven.

[Mort]

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OK, the hot oil thing says it all. Now I get the picture. One of my hobbies is that of a blacksmith and dipping hot iron in oil is a finish sometimes used. It looks nice and is great for indoor stuff but does not hold up long outside.
Thanks

[Ron in Quincy]

Black Oxide, when done by a Metal finishing shop, use a tank that the contents are heated to 350 degrees before the items are inserted, don't know how long the item is left in the tank. I know the items are also dipped in a solution to clean any grease or oil prior to the Black Oxide tank. I just had two 28-29 speedometer cable housings done this past week.

Ron

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Ron in Quincy

Black Oxide, when done by a Metal finishing shop, use a tank that the contents are heated to 350 degrees before the items are inserted, don't know how long the item is left in the tank. I know the items are also dipped in a solution to clean any grease or oil prior to the Black Oxide tank. I just had two 28-29 speedometer cable housings done this past week.

Ron

How much did it cost to do two speedometer cables? Thanks

[Ron in Quincy]

Tom,

The cost was $ 20.00 per housing.

Had Western Metal Finishing in Sparks, NV do the Black Oxide. They do a lot of gun parts for dealers. Also had them do some small parts in Nickle Plating.

Send me a e-mail if you like and I'll give you contact name, address, and tel. no.

Ron