Hood Catch Base Plate Natural Metal?

[Bingster]

Is the hood catch base plate (that has the spring catch which locks the upper latch) a natuural metal from the factory?

I removed and sandblasted the one on my '47 Desoto and to protect the metal primed it with Rustoleum. I suppose I could pait it aluminum.

[randroid]

Bingster,

The one on Pigiron certainly appeared to be when I took if off for painting. Surprisingly enough, it still does.

-Randy

[greg g]

Natural or silver is the color I have most observed on P15's at national judging meets.

[randroid]

Gents,

Are we talking natural metal as in vs. pot metal or painted steel? You know how I hate to err even slightly. Mine seems to be steel that was painted several colors before I got my grubby mitts on it and when it goes back on the car it will be gloss black.

-Randy

[T120]

I believe the base plate is cad plated as are the other parts.Apart from having it replated,this Eastwood product or similar might provide an acceptable finish.I can't

recommend it as I haven't used it -just an idea.

http://www.eastwood.com/ew-silver-cad-aerosol-12-oz.html

[Don Coatney]

Have you read the Reference Information on the main web page supporting this forum? Your answer can be found there.

[Bingster]

Actually, I just looked and didn't see the latch lower base plate listed.

[Don Coatney]

I found this.

Black (Semi Gloss)

Hood Lock Plate Brace

[T120]

This is a picture of the base plate on my Dodge.It is the original finish and neither painted nor rusted.I would say it's probably cad plated.If I wanted a brighter finish,(which I don't), and not being into $60,000. restorations ,I'd probably try the Eastwood product..

Edited August 6, 2012 by Ralph D25cpe

[Plymouthy Adams]

while not original and for those who have rusted plates that they would like to see a bit more pleasing to the eye at what is less than the deed to the car/ranch..you can sandblast and then coat with Cold Galvanizing..it give a platinum finish..it will appear dull..you can burnish this finish with a light going over with a worn 3M pad for a nice look...

looks good on the striker if you wish and also the hinges..

[T120]

..Tim's suggestion, I believe, would give a closer to original finish

[Plymouthy Adams]

I have finished bumper jack posts this way and of course the ratcheting lift section black..the jack I will never use or trust and thus store a floor or scissors jack in the vehicle...the jack is only refinished and stored for 'looks'

[Bingster]

I guess I'd have to strip the Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer off first?

[BobT-47P15]

Mine was the natural metal finish...on the P15.

I was in a patient mood one time, and went over it (several times)

with Mother's Mag Wheel polish (white paste in the little jar).

When done, it more resembled chome plating.

The drawback is you need to re-do it from time to time in the

future.

I have also used Mothers on those dull metal oval clips on the

firewall where cables come thru.....I just happen to like to do

things to make it shiny under the hood.