1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

[Larry S.]

I would like to find a reputable rechroming operation that can "quick dip" aniodize the aluminum inserts in the hood of my '63 Corvette. Has anyone had success finding someone to do this?

I also have a second question related to repainting my '63. With the fact that lacquer is no longer available (legal to use), does one simply have to accept a loss of points for use of poly or base coat/clear coat paint?

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

Larry

[Rainer S.]

Re: 1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

Lacquer is still available today from PPG. (at least here in Michigan) I was going to use lacquer Sebring Silver code 941, got a pint from PPG locally. (Was a perfect match).
Decided to go with BC/CC from DuPont.(Painters preference) Was an "almost" perfect match, also, except for the gloss of the clear-coat.
Not sure if most colors are still available in lacquer from PPG, but others will know, for sure.
In reference to restoring the hood insert, how will you do the black paint ?
I have (2) reproduction inserts, which came with my car, but will have to have the paint redone.
(My inserts will not have to be reworked, other than paint).
Looking forward to answers to your and my questions...

Rainer

[John D.]

Re: 1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

Larry, Try Andy Cannizzo for the hood grille refinishing. 732-583-5378. Lacquer paint is readily available in PA. Carquest stores have it. PPG. John

[Larry S.]

Re: 1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

Thanks Rainer. Lacquer is next to impossible to get in Wisconsin. Perhaps our state's air emission regulations are stricter than in Michigam. Did you mention that you put a clear coat over the lacquer? If so, what was your reason? I thought the lacquer was buffed out to a shine.

In response to your question about repainting the aluminum inserts, I found an article in Volume six, number four, Spring 1980 edition of the Corvette Restorer on page 26 that describes 2 methods. I plan to tape off the ridges and spray paint with Krylon #1631. I still have a can of it that I bought a few years back. I hope it is still usable.

Larry #3714

[Larry S.]

Re: 1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

Thanks John. I have heard the name Andy Cannizzo before. Does he also restore inside aluminum trim around the shifter?

It sounds like my state of Wisconsin is tougher on air emissions according to a painter I talked to.

Larry

[Rainer S.]

Re: 1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

Larry,
I would like to see the article in the Restorer, but I have been a member only for 4 years.
The reason my painter put a clear coat on the lacquer, is to compare it with BC/CC. That way we could match the DuPont paint to the PPG lacquer paint, both having a clearcoat on them.

Rainer

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

Larry, yes, Andy does do the 63 console. No matter who does it, this is an expensive piece to restore, sticker shock. Check the archives as I believe there was a thread on this topic a few months back.

Harry

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 1963 aluminum hood insert restoration

Larry, also check the JG on paint. As I recall the work lacquer is no longer there. The key word is "appearance". Does it "appear" to be factory. Some shops can get it right most can't. Saying that, there is no automatic point deduction because it is not lacquer.