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

Hi,
Does anyone know what material, what kind of wire, to use to make a bail wire that holds to radiator cap/hood ornament on the car?

Background: I have a 7-40 and I am adding a stone guard. I have the mounting hardware that includes the wishbone type bracket that is held on by the wire bail. Then current wire bail on the car is not long enough to hold the bracket in place, so I must make a new wire bail that is longer at the bottom (the part of the bail wire that attaches to the actual cap) so it can accept the bracket (see photos). Any ideas or help with this would be great. What material to use to make a new bail wire or how to modify the current original one.
Thanks,
Rich

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I made one of these for a 1928 526 years ago. The original was steel and badly pitted. I measured the diameter and tried to find a piece of wire to match. To my surprise, the wire handle on a 5 gallon paint can was an almost perfect match.
I used the original as a pattern. Heat the steel up a little and you will find it easier to bend.

Crin, aka White Glove Collection, advised in this post he is making wire bails.

Thanks for the info guys….gonna contact Crin….if he does have an option….the it’s 5 gallon paint can time!