John/Listers;
I have been researching the issue of restoring the motif badges for
Tigers/Alpines. The original motif badges were chromed using a flash chrome
process that is still used by some chrome platers at this time. After the
flash chrome is complete, the backing is covered with gloss black enamel.
One thing not done is to coat the back of the motif badge with the gray
silver over coating to protect the backing and the car. My search efforts
resulted in using the following restorer:
Instrument Specialties, Inc.
65 Foliage Drive
N. Kingstown, RI 02852
401.267.0055
http://www.instrument-specialties.com/
I had 4 motif badges restored, 3 "Sunbeam 260" for my car and one "Powered
by Ford 260" to see how it would come out. It took just over seven months
to complete. The 3 Sunbeam motifs look great and the one Powered look
pretty good. The process was expensive. The motifs need to have the deep
cut lettering in order for flash chrome to work according to the personnel
that did the work. I also sent some repopped motifs, they would not flash
chrome. Two last thoughts, I still need to provide the final back coat as
this was not done and may not need to be done AND flash chroming 4 motifs
cost $390.00 and took some time. My Tiger restorer told me they look like
new as seen in the BON. Let me know off line if you want pictures, I can
e-mail separately from the list.
Jim McLaughlin
B382000175
-----Original Message-----
From: tigers-bounces@autox.team.net [mailto:tigers-bounces@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of johnp@ciseast.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 7:42 PM
To: tigers@autox.team.net
Subject: [Tigers] "Powered by Ford" medallion restoration.
I've tried several ways to restore or replace the "260" medallions with no
satisfactory results until yesterday. I wasn't happy with available new
units because all I found were flat units with the text silkscreened(?)..
They just looked flat and metallic instead of mirror like. Yesterday I
tried doing the original medallion text recesses with
Spaz Stix #10000 Ultimate Mirror Chrome, Air Brush Paint. It came from
Amazon and cost $12.49 for a 2 oz bottle.
For simplicity, the Mirror Chrome paint was brush applied to the text
recesses using two coats. Much to my delight, the mirror effect was
identical to the original mirror finish. I didn't take care to protect the
flat surfaces, just liberally applied the Mirror Chrome Paint. After
completely drying, the normally black flat surface was sanded off using 1200
grit wet/dry paper until completely clear. Then a coat of Rustoleum Gloss
Black plastic paint was aerosol applied as the backing. The first medallion
looks very good, almost like brand new. I'm working on the second medallion
now taking greater care and with more detail and expect it to look like
brand new. I have no idea how durable this process will be under severe
weather conditions, but the first medallion looks very good right now. I
can email a photo to anyone interested if you send an email address.
Does anyone out there have a better idea or suggestion. Let us know, I'm
sure there are plenty of shabby looking medallions just waiting for
restoration.
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