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We own a 1002 that has the correct hood ornament that is also the radiator cap which could be easily stolen. I would remove the ornament if sitting in a motel parking lot overnight but anyone have a suggestion for a substitution mean while? Something more elegant than rags?

Won't a standard (modern) radiator cap fit? I've done the switch with my Chief Pontiac ornament on our '27 Pontiac when away from it at night...or parked it in the trailer!

No standard radiator caps for under-hood radiators that I'm aware of will fit because the locking lugs are so far below the shell. Of course "in the day" you removed the elegant cap with mascot and replaced it with the plain bail cap. What I put on my car overnight at a show is an old, pitted cap base (minus the ornament) that I picked up at a flea market for $25. Should be easy enough to find one cheaply at the larger flea markets or eBay.

If held on via bail, and real ones prove elusive, what are the chances of having some kind of simple cover made of brass or aluminum turned out on a lathe to cover the opening.

What is the possibility of drilling a tiny hole in a hidden area of the base and installing a set screw?????

Or the possibility of a cable looped thru the ornament and then locked to a solid part of the car. Remove cable at shows.

What is the ID and OD of the filler neck????

I assume your 33 uses a cap closure with 3 locking lugs at 120 degrees apart? My 34 and I assume your 1933 were originally equipped with a safety chain soldered down in the neck of the radiator and fastened to the base of the cap. Not that the chain fastener on the cap base was all that secure against someone with tools.

PS - Russ, here's a thought. You can buy the 3-eared locking portion of the cap as a bronze repro for small money. Use it to fashion some sort of inexpensive overnight temporary cap.

Owen:

Hope I have the name correct? These ideas give me something to think about. These darn hood ornaments are so attractive sometimes to the wrong people that not sure trying to keep it on the car via a hidden screw or chain, etc., would help as some are likely to damage the car in trying to remove the ornament any way they can. I like the old rusty or pitted cap idea the best. Anyone have such? Thanks ALL.

Russ