Hi David,
The chrome-look paint on the back of steering wheel centers, and
all other plastic medallions is done by a process called "vacuum
metalizing" where powdered aluminum is literally sprayed onto
the part in a vacuum chamber. Areas where they do not want the
chrome look are covered by rubbery vinyl inserts referred to as
"masks". Then the masks are removed or replaced as necessary
for other colors to be applied. Most emblems are then painted
with a final coat of gray covering the whole backside because
all of these processes are very prone to being scratched back to
clear during car assembly.
This is why brushing aluminum paint into these areas yourself
never gives the bright chrome result and why some reproduction
companies doing one emblem at a time also never get great
results. It is only during a reproduction run of 100s of pieces
that the vacuum metalizing process becomes financially viable.
Actually, "short run" in the plastics industry is 100,000 pieces
so any time a reproduction of lesser quantity gets accomplished,
we restorers should be grateful.
Hope this helps,
Wayne
----- Original Message -----
From: "David L. Greenberg" <landman@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2000 4:13 PM
Subject: metallic paint
How do they paint the back of items like the steering wheel
insert? It is a
mirror type finish when it shows through the plastic, and gray
on the back.
I have removed all of it from the insert on the 60 Belveder horn
ring, and
may paint it to match the interior. BUT, if its not too tricky I
may try to
match the original. Any ideas?
I'm still trying to figure out what I have leftover from the 60
Fury donor
car. I did put the a/c components on ebay. We decided to go with
an
aftermarket underdash unit, rather than installing the OEM
system. It just
seemed easier.
Al... my son is still trying to decide if it is worth the work
to go to the
torqueflite from the powerflite. I'll have to hold on to the TF
buttons and
bezel until he gets back here. I'll let you know though.
I do have a pair of taillight housings in good shape I can sell,
and also a
pair of front parking lamps.
The paint came out great. Blood Red and Cold Hard Steel is what
we are
calling the colors. We'll probably have to change the name from
the SS
Minnow to the Finned Avenger!
David Greenberg
Hereford, AZ
www.azlandman.com
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