Topic: What's the finish on 1967 Parking Light Retainers?

[Paperback Writer]

After two days of soaking in Evaporust (I love this stuff!), my parking light retainers are now rust free and ready for refurbishing.  The question now is what was the original finish on these?

[gtamustang]

zinc dichromate.

Regards,
Pete Morgan

[Paperback Writer]

Great - thanks Pete!

[ruppstang]

zinc dichromate.

Regards,
Pete Morgan

Pete I have see zinc dichromate on all 68s but often see clear zinc on 67s
Marty

[Bob Gaines]

I believe both 67 and 68 retainers were zinc dichromate gold. I have seen too many examples that were . At the very least I am positive there are assemblyline examples of the gold for both years . I don't believe silver is a assemblyline finish in this case but can understand why it may be considered a possible variety.I have seen many that looked silver but could find remnants of the gold in the protected areas that are flush with the valance.  As a observation The clear zinc aspect my be misinterpreted because the silver is the base coat before the dichromate dye and since most of the NOS ones I have now and many that I have seen on cars in the past are light gold to begin with ,the dye coming off (which can happen relatively easy) and leaving the silver undercoating caused by various in the field conditions might lead one to suspect the retainers were only clear zinc (silver).  Just some thoughts to add to the discussion. 

[Fastback2013]

I don't know if it is appropriate for continuing this thread, but I have some other questions concerning the parking light assembly.

In attachment picture 2 with the whole assembly of the parking light.
Since we know that the finish of the retainer and the stamped nut (part '3') is zinc dichromate, what would be the finish of the other parts?
- the stud (part '1) : also zinc dichromate?
  -> is it possible for screwing it out from the housing (part '4')
- the housing where the wire is attached to (part '2')
- the inside finish of part '4' seems (to me at least) galvanised? -> see picture 1.
  -> Is the outside finish than the same as the inside?
  -> How must I dismantle this?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Kind regards,
Jeroen

[Bob Gaines]

I don't know if it is appropriate for continuing this thread, but I have some other questions concerning the parking light assembly.

In attachment picture 2 with the whole assembly of the parking light.
Since we know that the finish of the retainer and the stamped nut (part '3') is zinc dichromate, what would be the finish of the other parts?
- the stud (part '1) : also zinc dichromate?
  -> is it possible for screwing it out from the housing (part '4')
- the housing where the wire is attached to (part '2')
- the inside finish of part '4' seems (to me at least) galvanised? -> see picture 1.
  -> Is the outside finish than the same as the inside?
  -> How must I dismantle this?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Kind regards,
Jeroen

1,2,3 or zinc dichromate . 4 is typical die cast metal . When fresh and smooth it sometimes has a multi flaked look similar to galvanizing look but much less pronounced on die cast. That look will flatten out and look solid gray appearing if bead blasted or covered with clear. 

[Bob Gaines]

I don't know if it is appropriate for continuing this thread, but I have some other questions concerning the parking light assembly.

In attachment picture 2 with the whole assembly of the parking light.
Since we know that the finish of the retainer and the stamped nut (part '3') is zinc dichromate, what would be the finish of the other parts?
- the stud (part '1) : also zinc dichromate?
  -> is it possible for screwing it out from the housing (part '4')
- the housing where the wire is attached to (part '2')
- the inside finish of part '4' seems (to me at least) galvanised? -> see picture 1.
  -> Is the outside finish than the same as the inside?
  -> How must I dismantle this?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Kind regards,
Jeroen

1,2,3 are typically zinc dichromate . 4 is typical die cast metal . When fresh and smooth it sometimes has a multi flaked look similar to galvanizing look but much less pronounced on die cast. That look will flatten out and look solid gray appearing if bead blasted or covered with clear.

[J_Speegle]

Agree with the dichromate - we've discussed there many times how poorly the yellow dye in the process lives up when exposed over the years leaving just the base zinc

1,2,3 are typically zinc dichromate . 4 is typical die cast metal . When fresh and smooth it sometimes has a multi flaked look similar to galvanizing look but much less pronounced on die cast.

+1  - Like cast aluminum in many ways die case or pot metal had a modeled look and the finish didn't often look consistent across the whole piece (more noticeable on large parts) from my observations

[Fastback2013]

Thanks a lot Jeff and Bob!
Most helpfull 
Kind regards,
Jeroen