Radiator shell

[aermotor]

I understand that foreign made (poor quality) and original - which would require nickeling or re-chroming is the only choices for radiator shells, what's a person to do?

John

[DougVieyra]

Some models of the Ford Model A also came with a Black radiator shell. Mostly commercial models and light commercial models, like the Pick-up, which was built on a car chassis.
So if plating is a major concern for you, I would suggest you trade your Deluxe Tudor Phaeton for a Pick-up.
However, a more practical alternative would be to buy a good used original and buff it to your satisfaction. Good originals are still easy to find. Just skip the re-plating.
As a side note: only '28 & '29 shells were plated. The '30-'31 shells were Stainless Steel.

[Joe K]

Unless you have a plater local to you who can do the nuance of a Model A shell, your best bet might be to call up Berts and see if he has any shells set to go.

One imagines they have one or two on the shelf waiting - and reading this thread will start preparing three more candidates to be sent out.

Or maybe the demand isn't so much?

Joe K

[LeRoiGross]

I bought a repo shell for my 29 Phaeton and it did not fit because the lower edge was 3/4 inch deep and it hit the splash shield. So I took my old shell to a plater and he wanted $1300 to nickel plate it! So I buffed it up with crocus cloth and spray painted the rusty top with chrome paint. Now it is "good enough".

[Gunmetal blue2]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

This is how a commercial truck looks. My avator.