The Ford Barn

glenn in camino · 06-12-2013, 07:59 PM

I've seen 28-29 instrument clusters that appear to be nickel, fine sanded in a vertical pattern. What is the correct finish for this piece, and how is it done?

Joe K · 06-12-2013, 08:19 PM

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I think butler chrome was the correct finish - but ask 10 restorers what butler chrome is and you'll get ten replies.

One of the "tricks" to simulate a butler chrome finish is to take an off the shelf nickel plated repop and simply "roughen" the finish using a 3x5 card or possibly 600 grit sandpaper. That might be what you're seeing.

And I have seen "studies" that show a certain percentage of original instrument panels are "horizontal" in motif (alignment/orientation of scratches), while others are "vertical." The percentage each is not 50/50.

Wish I could give you more and I am interested in this myself. There has been much debate.

Joe K

06-12-2013, 07:59 PM	#1
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	28-29 instrument cluster I've seen 28-29 instrument clusters that appear to be nickel, fine sanded in a vertical pattern. What is the correct finish for this piece, and how is it done?

06-12-2013, 08:19 PM	#2
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: 28-29 instrument cluster Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I think butler chrome was the correct finish - but ask 10 restorers what butler chrome is and you'll get ten replies. One of the "tricks" to simulate a butler chrome finish is to take an off the shelf nickel plated repop and simply "roughen" the finish using a 3x5 card or possibly 600 grit sandpaper. That might be what you're seeing. And I have seen "studies" that show a certain percentage of original instrument panels are "horizontal" in motif (alignment/orientation of scratches), while others are "vertical." The percentage each is not 50/50. Wish I could give you more and I am interested in this myself. There has been much debate. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.