FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Technical Board => Restoration Help => Topic started by: Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius on July 15, 2005, 01:25:51 AM



Title: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius on July 15, 2005, 01:25:51 AM
The original steering wheel for the wagon arrived in the mail (no thanks to the local delivery service!) and it is in really good condition for it's age, but .....

Two things

1. Can the red back ground be restored? it looks like a candy-apple job, with red sprayed on first and a gold backing. The gold and silver in the lettering and the emblem are in good condition, it's only the red peeling in areas.

2. Scratches in the plastic, can these be buffed out? I know there are some really good abrasives out there that can handle modern plastics, but will they do the job on the older stuff?


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: graham_fuller on July 15, 2005, 05:28:52 AM
Hey Stinky,
The scuff marks can be taken out with Brasso/cutting compound even fine wet and dry.The red has to be painted with a see through red so you paint a chrome type finish behind it to get that lustorous look.Its not an easy thing to do I have done some boot badges FE bonnet badges and 1 Horn button.
Cheers,
Graham


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: 20.4_seconds on July 16, 2005, 09:33:38 AM
hi graham,
Did  you keep a record of what process i.e -( the specific paint..diluted and brushed on or sprayed on.) that you used and what the end result of the horn button was...
I've spoken to Ken about this and it seems pretty hard to do... i have 3 horn buttons that were stuffed and I have stripped them back to nothing and have been experimenting...without success as yet..

Nick



Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius on July 16, 2005, 11:14:03 PM
To do from scratch, I'd be painting the lettering and logo by hand with model paint or similar.
The red background is more of a candy-apple process. I have contacted a specialist painter/artist who will do the job for me in a few weeks. I'll post the results then.


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: FC0058 on July 17, 2005, 10:49:45 AM
Hi Glen
Keep us posted on your progress. I feel you will have a lot of interest.

Cheers Jim


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Ed on July 18, 2005, 07:43:02 PM
i havent done this but...

U could try using the red tail light lens dye?

Cheers

Ed


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius on July 19, 2005, 01:24:22 AM
Good point Ed, then a rattle can of gold to finish it.
I only have the one horn button though and I am not willing to experiment  :-/


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Sarge on July 19, 2005, 04:41:51 AM
ED
   that sounds like a plan may have a crack at it.

cheers
Sarge


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: 20.4_seconds on August 24, 2005, 07:15:21 AM
Hey Guys
Just wondering if you have any news on this topic? Glenn did that painter guy ever get back to you regarding the painting of it?

Cheers

Nick


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: customFC on August 24, 2005, 08:59:14 AM
Try a glazier who can restore mirrors and have him apply a mirror finish behind the red.
Regards
Alex


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius on August 24, 2005, 09:09:38 AM
No news yet, got the blow-off (busy) from the painter and haven't got back to him.


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: 20.4_seconds on September 14, 2005, 04:56:07 AM
just an update of this little project...
This is the first effort, it's not perfect by a long shot and is not finished..I will add a note later telling you what I did, oh and what NOT to do ;D ;D
I've got two more on the go looking much better.

Would love some feedback on what you guys think..

Nick
A before photo
(http://tinypic.com/do0487.jpg)

After many hours photo!!
(http://tinypic.com/do04g1.jpg)


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: graham_fuller on September 14, 2005, 05:19:40 AM
Nick I have done some repro work on some of these yours looks really good.How did you paint it and what sort of paint did you use?What did you use at the back to achieve the reflection. How did you mask off the individual parts?
Cheers,
Graham


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Martin on September 14, 2005, 01:34:52 PM
Hey Nick, this has the makings of something pretty good.  I can see a bit of practice with a fine brush to get the edges of the silver and blue work right and you'll have a very good looking job.  The colours look good, too.

Well done. Keep plugging away.

Martin


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: 20.4_seconds on September 15, 2005, 04:58:30 AM
Horn Button No 2...
It's a bit glary but its a nice deep rich colour like the one above...just the detail is much better

Getting there.... ;D

(http://tinypic.com/dokkzt.jpg)

Nick


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: TAYZ on September 15, 2005, 05:45:57 AM
Nicko,
          When your ready i will be your first customer, Let me know

                                                            TAYZ


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Rabbitoh on September 15, 2005, 07:11:34 AM
I'm sure you could also do an FE bonnet badge, Nick?


Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: 20.4_seconds on September 15, 2005, 08:52:38 AM
I prob could Chris  ;D
I will have a look at mine this weekend as it could do with a tart up also, I will let ya know by saturday or so.
Oh and I have you in mind for a few bit's you might be looking for if I get lucky on my hunt on the weekend.

Tayz, not a prob as soon as I iron out the little annoying bits   ;D ;D

Nick



Title: Re: Horn Button Restoration
Post by: Aaron on October 18, 2005, 12:44:11 AM
if you want the paint smooth out and spread evenly, try putting the button in some boiling water for a few minutes before applying the paint.

works really well when painting plastic all one colour, but in your case with 3 different colours it might make them run together.

maybe give it a shot...?