The Ford Barn

Chris Haynes · 08-08-2025, 12:11 PM

What is the Finish on Ford tools? An almost transparent black. Very thin.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 08-08-2025, 03:01 PM

Yes

Ruth · 08-08-2025, 03:47 PM

Haha, Just what I like, a one word answer that answers the question but really doesn't. Just like my kids...

stevemclark · 08-08-2025, 05:17 PM

Raven finish is what it is called. 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.

Will N · 08-09-2025, 09:51 AM

The Judging Standards say the tools were finished in a thin coat of black pyroxylin lacquer. They were most likely dipped in the lacquer, as that is how Ford painted all the black bolt on parts.

rotorwrench · 08-09-2025, 11:55 AM

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Forged steel parts are surprisingly resilient to corrosion. That's why so many Ford tools survived to be found in garage sales and at the flea markets. They could have used a black phosphate finish which is still common for unplated tools but they opted for what they were already using in house and from the sub contractors. A person could phosphate finish them for a longer lasting effect if they choose but for all intents and purposes, anything that protected the tools for a few years mostly riding around in the trunk of the car or under the seat in a cobra grain tool bag was considered to be adequate at the time.

08-08-2025, 12:11 PM	#1
Chris Haynes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA Posts: 2,962	Finish on Ford tools What is the Finish on Ford tools? An almost transparent black. Very thin. __________________ 1921 Runabout 1930 Tudor Early 1930 AA Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?

08-08-2025, 03:01 PM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,970	Re: Finish on Ford tools Yes __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

08-08-2025, 03:47 PM	#3
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,440	Re: Finish on Ford tools Haha, Just what I like, a one word answer that answers the question but really doesn't. Just like my kids... __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

08-08-2025, 05:17 PM	#4
stevemclark Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Central Shenandoah Valley,Waynesboro,Va. Posts: 143	Re: Finish on Ford tools Raven finish is what it is called. 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. __________________ It's not the destination ,it's the journey . Last edited by stevemclark; 08-08-2025 at 05:23 PM.

08-09-2025, 09:51 AM	#5
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,248	Re: Finish on Ford tools The Judging Standards say the tools were finished in a thin coat of black pyroxylin lacquer. They were most likely dipped in the lacquer, as that is how Ford painted all the black bolt on parts.

08-09-2025, 11:55 AM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 17,405	Re: Finish on Ford tools Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Forged steel parts are surprisingly resilient to corrosion. That's why so many Ford tools survived to be found in garage sales and at the flea markets. They could have used a black phosphate finish which is still common for unplated tools but they opted for what they were already using in house and from the sub contractors. A person could phosphate finish them for a longer lasting effect if they choose but for all intents and purposes, anything that protected the tools for a few years mostly riding around in the trunk of the car or under the seat in a cobra grain tool bag was considered to be adequate at the time.