Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Greetings to all
I am in the process of removing bright work and trim from the 1941 120 sedan. As I know the belt line is stainless, the side grills are plated pot metal, and the main grill is plated steel. My question is regarding the outside window trim. It appears to be aluminum, however the rear vent window trim looks as if it has plating on it the others are well worn and do not have the this coating. Did Packard chrome plate over the aluminum, or was the aluminum highly polished?

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Hi there
Have just joined and seen your question re: window trim on your '41. Had the same problem back in 1964 when I first got my '41. If you have not got the answer yet the trim is made of brass and chrome plated. I had mine rechromed but in those days the platers were not really geared to restoration work and in stripping and polishing they went through the brass in places. Make sure whoever does it is super careful!!!
Hope this is of some help!!

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G'day Stuart,
to PackardInfo from another '41 120 owner.

And a request of you, could you please include your '41 in the Owner Registry here, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?

PGS41,

I suspect the trim is stainless steel. (I am not the best authority on this website, but am surprised your question did not generate more responses since your 7/16 posting. At least our responses today may grab the attention of some of our more knowledgeable members and get other responses for you).

I say 'stainless' because my 41 Clipper has stainless trim (though there is not window trim in that styling.)
I say "not aluminum" because I think it was in short supply in pre-WWII days.

Weathered, scratched stainless can have a 'aluminum' look.

Have you tried a polish for aluminum? or stainless? 'Mothers' makes several polishes that might make removal unnecessary (unless you have a really good friend in the plating business).

Either way, Welcome to PackardInfo.

Also, as OZ mentioned, Please add your 41 to ther Owner's Registry section.

DanL

Gregg,
I see you already registered. Thanks.
We've got to keep these 41s coming.

Have you answered your original question yet, or moved on to other repairs?

DanL

Stuart,
for including your '41 in the Registry. Great history there. Wish you well in bringing it back to it's former glory.

Thank you everyone!! I will be removing this trim this week-end. I have been traveling quite frequently with my job, so I have not checked the forum in a few weeks, so I apologize for not responding sooner.
As you can see in the photo, some sort of plating is peeling off - but what is so puzzling is the material underneath. Either Stainless or aluminum as a base metal for the trim, I could not understand the plating. (I have only seen chrome plating on steel, but obviously I am no expert.) I the door windows do not appear to have this plating. Just the rear vent windows.

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Stainless steel is one of the metals that can be chrome plated directly. No need for the nickle over copper like is needed for steel and pot metal.

Stainless usually isn't chromed, just polished.