On the 28/29 sedan the running board moldings are stainless steal. Is this correct ?
Wow that is a surprise. On my 30-U the remnants of the running board moulding I had were aluminum but I don't know if they were original although given their condition I doubt they were replacements. I didn't think they were using stainless steel anywhere on low priced cars that early. I wish mine were stainless even if it would be incorrect. The original moulding on a '29 Franklin I had were also aluminum and that was a much higher end car. I guess that really doesn't mean much since Chrysler was always ahead of the curve and just might have made the switch early on.
My Dodge used aluminum , but some Chrysler's used stainless . Accidental ebayed a pieced .
The reason I asked is because I had picked up NOS running boards with original rubber matting. I thought the moldings were aluminum until I took them apart to polish. Of course the magnet test wasn't helpful because either isn't magnetic. When polishing the pieces epically the outer trim was much harder than I would expect aluminum to be. The pieces buffed up nice but are blotchy in spots. Before I used something more abrasive I wanted to make sure I wasn't dealing with aluminum or a plated metal.
I'll have to post some pictures ??
Here is a picture of the front molding and long side.
(http://www.1948plymouth.info/1929/images2/RBMoldings-01.jpg)
This is the unpolished rear side of the front molding.
(http://www.1948plymouth.info/1929/images2/RBMoldings-02.jpg)
Can polish up bright as chrome ??
On the long molding I am a little afraid to polish too deep just in case the item was plated.
Any suggestions ?
That almost looks like it was plated over brass and those dark spots are where you wore through the plating.
Maybe these running boards are from a 1929 Chrysler 65. I think the same body style even the radiator surround is similar. I will check it out more tomorrow. Been to the eye dr. Today and my eyes are still dilated.
if you have both side by side it is easy to tell difference . The ss is thinner and harder . maybe a file to the edge . Your dark spots if alum. can be ware through of anodizing . I can mic both for you tomorrow unless you need tonight .
Tom
Quote from: Articifer Tom on April 28, 2021, 07:48:13 PM
if you have both side by side it is easy to tell difference . The ss is thinner and harder . maybe a file to the edge . Your dark spots if alum. can be ware through of anodizing . I can mic both for you tomorrow unless you need tonight .
Tom
No problem or rush. Tomorrow is another day. I will take a file to the edge tomorrow. I think to heavy for aluminum. I'll mic. it also.
Hi Tom,
On both the kick panel side and the outside edge trim I measure 0.028 which is 23 gauge steel or maybe 24 gauge 0.024. Either way pretty thin but strong and heavy. I cut a divot on the back end edge with a file. Shinny metal throughout. I think its stainless. The brownish areas in the pictures might be from the garage florescent lights.., in reality dull flat steel color. I think deeper polishing might correct the blotchy look.
What is the gauge of the aluminum, Any suggestions ?
The aluminum trim on my car looks to be 0.055 if that helps. I think that is 15 or 16 gauge
Quote from: Russ T. Fender on April 29, 2021, 05:29:05 PM
The aluminum trim on my car looks to be 0.055 if that helps. I think that is 15 or 16 gauge
Thanks for the info. I think the trim is stainless steel. Next to check if the running boards mount to the car. Unfortunately lawn work tomorrow.
Could not get at an edge of alum to mic . But ss is .030 to .034 or 21 gauge on corner of side where flat . I believe you have ss .
Quote from: Articifer Tom on April 29, 2021, 09:25:49 PM
Could not get at an edge of alum to mic . But ss is .030 to .034 or 21 gauge on corner of side where flat . I believe you have ss .
Tom, I think that confirms it. Not much difference between o.028 and o.030. +- .005