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Would it be safe to assume the decorative screen is made from aluminum? A plater is asking

I think so, it's a pretty cheesy material. If they were steel they would all be rusty by now.

Yes, aluminum with different patterns between 1955 and 1956 and between junior and senior models.

Thanks Don & PGH. The plating shop doesn’t do this type of work. They suggest I find someone who does anodizing??

It's not anodizing but possibly a shop that does it can advise. In the meantime I'll try to find out out what the process is called but I seem to recall that it was alodine but in any event they said that anodizing would destroy it.

chemical-supermarket.com/home.php?cat=109

Alodine 1200, 1201, & 1200S:

Alodine 1200 is Henkel’s product family for hexavalent chromium conversion. Contained in this family are two primary products; Alodine 1201 and Alodine 1200S. Alodine 1201 is a ready-to-use liquid product which, when brushed-on or diluted and immersion-applied, produces a gold-colored Chromate Conversion Coating which contains hexavalent chromium. Consistent with Class 1A of the mil spec, it is formulated to provide maximum corrosion prevention when left unpainted as well as to improve adhesion of paint finish systems on aluminum and aluminum alloys. Alodine 1200S is the powdered composition dissolved by professional industrial facilities into their immersion baths.

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Well, I certainly don't want to destroy it. thanks for the Information Don,

32model901-are you suggesting perhaps the Alodine 1200 might be a solution?

I would suggest the immersion bath type which is what mine was. It was definitely not brushed on. The brush-on might be okay for a bare piece but yours already has something on it which must be stripped first. Be SURE when you or they handle the piece to not let it flop around as it will break, especially in the weak area below the speedometer. Always use both hands and keep it flat even when going into and out of the immersion.