Topic: '68 license lamp metal finish

[Oz390]

The license lamp housing is a base of two pieces riveted together, then the screwed on lens retainer (cap).  Are all 3 pieces zinc dichromate ("gold zinc") finish? 

(Excluding the bulb socket which appears to be a press fit to the base after the finish is applied)

[Bob Gaines]

The license lamp housing is a base of two pieces riveted together, then the screwed on lens retainer (cap).  Are all 3 pieces zinc dichromate ("gold zinc") finish? 

(Excluding the bulb socket which appears to be a press fit to the base after the finish is applied)

Yes gold. As you surmised you press out the socket for replating.

[Anghelrestorations]

Yep, not very different from the 69 and 70 versions you see here.  You can see a better picture on my website

[J_Speegle]

The license lamp housing is a base of two pieces riveted together, then the screwed on lens retainer (cap).  Are all 3 pieces zinc dichromate ("gold zinc") finish?

+1  and yes you simply reinsert the build socket after plating. Did a dozen or more of these the last time we did dichromate. IMHO always try and plate three or more examples of everything. Then you can pick out the best (if the part is an undated one), sell the left overs or save them for the next project

[Oz390]

Thanks for confirmation.  Any tips on pressing out the socket? Only have the one and do not want to damage it...

[J_Speegle]

Thanks for confirmation.  Any tips on pressing out the socket? Only have the one and do not want to damage it...

I find a long/deep socket that fits inside the socket in place of the bulb, a 6-8" extension on the socket and while supporting the bracket with a thick towel I strike the end of the extension a couple of times with a piece of wood (normally just a 10-12" section of 2"x4")   Sure a rubber mallet would work in its place.

[Oz390]

Thanks very much... 

Will give it go, like my small dead blow hammer for this type of stuff....

[Anghelrestorations]

Yes, the sockets come out pretty easy actually as long as they are not too corroded. 

[Oz390]

Yep, pooped out pretty easy, with the right advice!

Do folks remove the rubber boot for replating the socket, plate it with the rubber on, or not do it?  Again, afraid to destroy the one boot I have as if I don't plate it its not the end of the world. (to me!)

[Bob Gaines]

Yep, pooped out pretty easy, with the right advice!

Do folks remove the rubber boot for replating the socket, plate it with the rubber on, or not do it?  Again, afraid to destroy the one boot I have as if I don't plate it its not the end of the world. (to me!)

you can plate with the rubber on but once plated you need to thoroughly oil and coat the inside of the receptacle and spring area otherwise the spring will corrode and maybe break.

[Oz390]

Ok, thanks again. 

[CharlesTurner]

IIRC, the socket is made of brass.