Zinc scuff plates

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Will Brown
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 am
First Name: Will
Last Name: Brown
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Runabout
Location: Garrison, New York

Zinc scuff plates

Post by Will Brown » Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:46 pm

My early '26 roadster came with what I believe to be zinc door sill plates. They have some minor damage. I would like to repair what is missing on one of them and fix the crack on the other. Can this be done? Also, what is the best way to restore these sill plates? Glass bead sandblasting or would another method be better?
Attachments
scuff 2.tif
scuff 2.tif (1.08 MiB) Viewed 1256 times
Scuff 1.tif
Scuff 1.tif (466.76 KiB) Viewed 1256 times


Topic author
Will Brown
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 am
First Name: Will
Last Name: Brown
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Runabout
Location: Garrison, New York

Re: Zinc scuff plates

Post by Will Brown » Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:52 pm

here are the images
Attachments
scuff 2.jpg
scuff 2.jpg (95.11 KiB) Viewed 1252 times
Scuff 1.jpg
Scuff 1.jpg (86.92 KiB) Viewed 1252 times

User avatar

DanTreace
Posts: 3813
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: Treace
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘12 open express,'23 cutoff, '27 touring
Location: North Central FL
Board Member Since: 2000
Contact:

Re: Zinc scuff plates

Post by DanTreace » Thu Sep 02, 2021 4:42 pm

Can't help on welding cracks in zinc, as fumes from zinc are very dangerous to your health.

On mine, just left the few bumps and cracks as 'patina'. The repro parts in aluminum don't look good to me at all. So keep your originals original.

Just buffed the surfaces of the plates on the buffing wheel, then a coat of wax, provided a nice sheen that was likely what they looked like when new.

DCP_2967.JPG
DCP_2967.JPG (161.55 KiB) Viewed 1226 times

Touring rear plate, before polishing on buffing wheel. Think that vapor or sand blast finish wouldn't be like the shiny original type finish.

IMG_3862 (640x480).jpg
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic