Greetings and salutations, my fellow ‘49ers! As another summer rapidly wanes, and we continue waxing, it’s an ideal time to look back on the shows, cruise nights and tours that we attended with our Cadillacs and “evaluate” just how well our “babies” looked and performed. With Old Man Winter on the horizon, it’s an excellent time to decide which parts we would like to upgrade or replace, whether they be cosmetic or mechanical in nature.
With Hershey only a month or so away, I always find it helpful to make up a “shopping list” of parts that need replacing/upgrading. When making such a list, it’s useful to include part numbers, if available. Sketches, with measurements, and even photos, will prove invaluable when searching for these parts. You will be amazed at how many parts can look similar, but not be correct, especially considering the thousands of parts available at such a huge venue!
Here are a couple of tips, based on many years buying and selling ’48,’49 and ’50 parts. Many chrome trim parts were made from “pot metal”, typically a “mix” of several metals that have a low melting point and therefore were easy to cast. The problem is pot metal parts tend to deteriorate badly, especially when exposed to the elements. When deciding whether to buy or not a particular part, keep in mind the difficulty and expense of having the part re-plated. If badly pitted, it very well may cost more to have the part re-plated than continuing your search for another in much better condition. Also, the sad fact is that many plating shops just do not have the expertise to properly re-plate pot metal parts. I could relate horror stories galore about paying large amounts of $$, only to find the plating shop essentially ruined the part(s) by grinding out all the detail. If the pot metal part is broken, search for another, unless the part is extremely rare, since pot metal is extremely difficult to weld.
Many other ’49 chrome parts, such as grill pieces, side “spears”, grill extensions, stone shields and the like were made from stamped sheet steel, then plated. Examine closely not only the outside surface but, more importantly, the inner side of these parts. More often than not, they develop rust out and corrode from the inside as debris gets trapped over the years. Although the outside chrome will appear perfect, it will look like Swiss cheese after being stripped and dipped at the plating shop, either necessitating repairs or even rendering it useless.
Finally, when searching for and buying parts, it’s always best if you can hold the part in your hand to examine it. If you decide or have to buy parts based on photos, such as on Ebay, the old Latin adage applies, “caveat emptor”, let the buyer beware. All too often, the condition of a part, or even the correct application, will be misrepresented, not necessarily intentionally, but due to the seller’s lack of knowledge. Always deal with reputable vendors who can provide references and offer a full refund if you’re not satisfied. A little prior planning and caution go a long way! Looking forward to seeing and chatting with you at Hershey!