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

After rechroming my bumpers and polishing the stainless, I have lost the red paint for the hexagons and also the little red triangle in the stainless trim running down the hood sides.

What's the best way to neatly repaint these and is there a specific shade of red it's supposed to be?

Has anyone tried cutting some peel-and-stick vinyl material in these areas?

Not sure if it's still available but last time I searched for a suitable red paint I settled on Sherwin William's "Flame Red" enamel. Vinyl red hexes for the hubcaps have been available on and off for a very long time - haven't heard of anyone making the other items but it might work out well. I use enamel paint and it seems to last very well, 20 or so years. I clean the chrome with lacquer thinner and lightly scuff with a little piece of 600 wet-or-dry glued to the eraser on a lead pencil. You don't want to break thru the chromium which is VERY thin, just provide a little "tooth" for the paint. Rather than brush strokes I try to get the piece horizontal and flood the paint into the depression.

Thanks for the advice! My chrome is all back on the car, so maybe I could try spraying then wiping off the excess before it dries?

The rear bumper hexes might be nice if done in reflective vinyl tape material or maybe reflective red paint if there is a decent match to O_D's color suggestion. Haven't seen the premade reflective hubcap centers in a while but those could be done too.