Lola53
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1953 Westfield Westerner
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Post by Lola53 on Feb 28, 2016 20:11:58 GMT -8
I have a dilema with the name plate on my 53 Westerner. Obviously, there is a balance between keeping the patina or restoring. In most cases I favor leaving the patina; however, I have mixed feelings about the door plate. The plate looks like it is probably brass. Over time it has become tarnished and is no longer legible. There also appears to be corrosion under the screw heads. Preventing further corrosion can be dealt with with by replacing the steel screws with stainless. I would like to see the details on the plate and have been considering polishing it. Below is a picture in the current state and a couple of enhanced pictures to bring out the detail. You can see better pictures on Lola's blog at: www.kivas.com/wp/2016/02/29/patina-or-polish/Please let me know what you think.   |
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Feb 28, 2016 20:17:24 GMT -8
I had the same issue on a camper plate and eventually stripped it clean, used a little 3m rubbing compound on it followed by Blue Magic polish.
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Post by vikx on Feb 28, 2016 20:22:53 GMT -8
I think it would be better with at least a light polish. There's such a thing as too much "patina"...
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kirkadie
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'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
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Post by kirkadie on Feb 29, 2016 5:56:32 GMT -8
I agree with at least a light polish, especially if you repaint the skins.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Feb 29, 2016 7:33:15 GMT -8
International Law says all brass must be polished, except on naval vessels where it must be slathered with grey paint.
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Lola53
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1953 Westfield Westerner
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Post by Lola53 on Feb 29, 2016 23:19:37 GMT -8
International Law says all brass must be polished, except on naval vessels where it must be slathered with grey paint. Very funny. Reminds me of one of my Dad's Gilbert and Sullivan favorites, "I polished the knobs so carefully, they made me an admiral in the Queen's Navy." Or something like that. :-) |
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Lola53
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1953 Westfield Westerner
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Post by Lola53 on Feb 29, 2016 23:24:50 GMT -8
Polish it is. Another job for the punch list. I'll post on the results.
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Lola53
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1953 Westfield Westerner
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Post by Lola53 on Mar 21, 2016 20:56:43 GMT -8
I took off the plate and started polishing. A thick layer of black residue covered the entire plate, which was virtually impervious to the polish. I had to resort to half a lime, salt, and lots of elbow grease just to clean the plate. Even then it does not polish up to a high shine and black residue remains on the corners. Perhaps some tequila to accompany the lime would help? :-) The plate appears to be brass, with etched lettering and logo, not stamped. The back is flat and featureless. Possibly, there was a layer of copper plating over the brass at one time. Any suggestions on how to get the black residue off the corners without scratching? Here's the results so far:  www.kivas.com/wp/2016/03/22/patina-vs-polish-ii/ |
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Post by vikx on Mar 21, 2016 22:26:21 GMT -8
It is absolutely GORGEOUS as is... just a keeper.
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Post by vintagebruce on Mar 22, 2016 7:26:01 GMT -8
It is absolutely GORGEOUS as is... just a keeper. I agree with vikx! Now I have one other suggestion, keep on the lookout for another badge just like this one, maybe at rally swap meets or on eBay, and if you find one, all it would take is a metal "loop" and "hook" thingy braised to the back of that emblem to have a terrific Westerner belt buckle. That could be done with a lot of different metal camper emblems. oldtrailer.com/vintage-trailer-logos-badges-decals.html |
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Mar 22, 2016 19:38:32 GMT -8
I took off the plate and started polishing. A thick layer of black residue covered the entire plate, which was virtually impervious to the polish. I had to resort to half a lime, salt, and lots of elbow grease just to clean the plate. Even then it does not polish up to a high shine and black residue remains on the corners. Perhaps some tequila to accompany the lime would help? :-) The plate appears to be brass, with etched lettering and logo, not stamped. The back is flat and featureless. Possibly, there was a layer of copper plating over the brass at one time. Any suggestions on how to get the black residue off the corners without scratching? Here's the results so far: www.kivas.com/wp/2016/03/22/patina-vs-polish-ii/It's PERFECT now....  |
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Mar 24, 2016 12:48:40 GMT -8
It does look good with some black to highlight the letters and the age, but Brasso will clean it up more if you want.
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Lola53
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1953 Westfield Westerner
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Post by Lola53 on Mar 25, 2016 14:05:05 GMT -8
It does look good with some black to highlight the letters and the age, but Brasso will clean it up more if you want. I started with Brasso. It didn't even begin to break through the tarnish. Had to resort to half a lime and salt to cut the tarnish. Then went back to Brasso. Whatever the alloy is, it is very hard and will not polish to a high shine (at least not by hand). Yes, the black in the recesses sets off the design, I'm going to leave in this state. Well, perhaps a little more work on the corners? ;-) Mark |
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