The Ford Barn

Arcieri · 07-13-2015, 02:30 PM

Working on fasteners for a fine point car.

Confused a little by the S4 finish designation for a number of bolts, nuts, etc.
The 1932 Ford price list defines S4 as raven finish and black paint.

So for example did Ford specify a lock washer that called for an S4 finish to first be plated with raven finish and then the whole thing painted black? Or did Ford specify the washer to be plated raven and then paint only the edges black??

Can not imagine Henry spending that much money to double finish any fastener.

Same question for the bolts.

Thanks,
Ray

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 07-13-2015, 03:44 PM

Actually, the S4 designation was used quite a bit in production, ...and the S3 was the one that the bolt head was only painted. I think the reason for S4 has to do with most of those areas are in the eye of the onlooker (usually used on lamps, spare tire carriers, etc. if I recall correctly) and when the threads of the fastener are left bare, over time the unfinished threads will start to streak rust stains out onto the finish area, so the easiest way was to seal the entire fastener with the Ravening process.

Arcieri · 07-13-2015, 04:16 PM

Thanks Brent.

Seal the fastener with raven finish and then paint black.
Makes sense to me.

Ray

Larry Jenkins · 07-13-2015, 04:32 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have heated restored fasteners and dipped them into used motor oil. Nice, flat black finish that won't rust.

Larry

07-13-2015, 02:30 PM	#1
Arcieri Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakewood, Colorado Posts: 158	-S4 Finish Working on fasteners for a fine point car. Confused a little by the S4 finish designation for a number of bolts, nuts, etc. The 1932 Ford price list defines S4 as raven finish and black paint. So for example did Ford specify a lock washer that called for an S4 finish to first be plated with raven finish and then the whole thing painted black? Or did Ford specify the washer to be plated raven and then paint only the edges black?? Can not imagine Henry spending that much money to double finish any fastener. Same question for the bolts. Thanks, Ray

07-13-2015, 03:44 PM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,513	Re: -S4 Finish Actually, the S4 designation was used quite a bit in production, ...and the S3 was the one that the bolt head was only painted. I think the reason for S4 has to do with most of those areas are in the eye of the onlooker (usually used on lamps, spare tire carriers, etc. if I recall correctly) and when the threads of the fastener are left bare, over time the unfinished threads will start to streak rust stains out onto the finish area, so the easiest way was to seal the entire fastener with the Ravening process. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

07-13-2015, 04:16 PM	#3
Arcieri Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakewood, Colorado Posts: 158	Re: -S4 Finish Thanks Brent. Seal the fastener with raven finish and then paint black. Makes sense to me. Ray

07-13-2015, 04:32 PM	#4
Larry Jenkins BANNED Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: East Central Iowa Posts: 1,275	Re: -S4 Finish Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have heated restored fasteners and dipped them into used motor oil. Nice, flat black finish that won't rust. Larry