Topic: Steering wheel crash pad

[68 S Code]

Looking for a pic Or a description of the finish of an original crash pad center. I have the original center and was initially planning to replace it because the silver edge around the center insert and the 6 buttons looked like all the reflective plastic chrome had worn off. I questioned the finish because I also have a reproduction deluxe center trim which is a mirror chrome finish. However I am looking into the hard chrome finish at the header trim ( convert ) and am starting to think that maybe the original dull silver is correct for a standard interior? Very close in appearance to the silver on the horn ring. Am i correct that deluxe got bright chrome look and standard got the silver?

[CharlesTurner]

The chrome look is correct.  Same vacuum plating as all the other plastic trim parts.

[68 S Code]

Actually it looks like the dull silver is correct. A friend who is a long time SAAC judge just looked it over and he believes it is original and the finish is consistent enough to say that is the original color. We compared the color to the NOS horn ring and it is a nice match. The backside which was protected by the main crash pad protected the original finish. If it would have been the bright chrome finish it would have stayed that way just like other original dash trim pieces. I will try to post some pics later tonight.






Lo

[68 S Code]

Here are the pics. Notice the back side pic of the repop deluxe center with the bright chrome finish. I also included the NOS horn ring in what mimics the hard chrome finish on the interior header and the visor brackets. The center pad looks to match that finish with a dull silver.

[ruppstang]

We talked about this on another site a few months ago. I believe all the cups are dull argent and all of the outer trims to be bright chrome.

[68 S Code]

Well this one looks argent at buttons and outer ring also found the original center emblem clear disc and the outer edge is argent and not bright chrome like on the repop. Found what looks like a date code on the original center emblem on back side F3?

[CharlesTurner]

I was thinking '67.  Agree with Marty.

[68 S Code]

Might want to revisit that discussion. Martys fastback from Dearborn and my vert built the same day.

[ruppstang]

That is cool that our cars were built on the same day. I restored ours in 94 It is showing some wear. We drove it top the MCA national in Seattle and to the VA, Beach national.We put over 7500 mile on it last year. It needs to be redone again but if I do that then I won't want to drive it as much and I really do like to drive it.
 I dug out some old original parts today. You can tell the cups were defiantly sprayed argent. I had two outer trims one deluxe and one standard both had the same part #s. The back of the standard appears to be more satin but I think it did not get too much chrome plating. I still believe that all had bright chrome. I would like to see a NOS one. If it were satin I would have to change my position. Marty

[68 S Code]

I see yours is also red with a black C stripe. But I notice a red interior versus my black. Yours a fastback and mine a vert. I'll look closer out in daylight tomorrow to see if I notice any brighter chrome like edge on my center

[68 S Code]

Checked it again last night and no bright chrome. Below the center logo where finish would have been protected it's argent. As is the original ring on the center emblem. Repops are both bright chrome. The is a guy in NY with a 12k original coupe I will try calling him to see what his looks like.

[thefordshow]

Looking at a few of the used ones I have, the chrome finish would have more to do with the amount of material that got sprayed on them. Big range from nothing at all, to some with chrome still showing.  I would agree that the buttons were painted.

[68 S Code]

Intresting pic you posted. These are all deluxe so i would expect them to be the shiny chrome finish. But as the rear shot attests the two in the center are not bright at all. Mine on the back seems to be closest to the second one from the top. However on the front it is brighter than any of the ones you show just not chrome in appearance. More satin silver. I installed the NOS horn ring and its dead on to that shade and appearance.

[thefordshow]

If I understand Vacuum metalizing correctly, it gets a coat of aluminum in a vacuumed chamber, them clear coated for protection.  I think the lack of clear or very little amount sprayed on the parts would dictate how well the plastic chrome will hold out. Often on aged parts I've seen yellowing of the clear coat that wipes off easily with your finger.  Not sure it would make sense to do two different process on the same part, but I guess I need to look at some of my non deluxe bezels for any signs.