Author Topic: Wanted, Aero Hooded Head Light Bezels (rough)  (Read 640 times)

SC/397

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Wanted, Aero Hooded Head Light Bezels (rough)
« on: May 31, 2018, 07:12:44 AM »
I am looking for a set of rough Hooded Head Light bezels that I can sandblast, fill the pits, and paint.
I would like to find a set of hooded turn signal bezels as well.
Thanks,  Rick
1948 Empire Tractor
1952 Willys Aero Wing
1953 Willys Pick-Up
1958 M-274 Willys Military Mule
1962 AMC Mighty Mite
1968-1971 Various AMC Muscle Cars

MarkH

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Re: Wanted, Aero Hooded Head Light Bezels (rough)
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2018, 08:17:42 AM »
Hooded rings speckled with pits turn up from time to time. Same for the parking light bezels although I've seen a couple really nice parking sets turn up on ebay in the past year.

All of these recently have/had parts cars, year(s) unknown:
Smitty’s Salvage 800-236-6892 Wisconsin
Windy Hill 320-354-2201 Minnesota
Whiteside  360-668-5248 Washington
French Lake in Minnesota has a '55 but from a photo posted here several months back, those bezels were gone.

Another long shot is Duane Hayes parts cars donegoing2002@yahoo.com

I'd be very cautious blasting pot metal. My understanding is behind the outer "skin" of the casting, the metal becomes more porous & softer.
Since you're looking to paint, you might want to check out some specialty chrome substitute paints from Alsacorp and possibly skip the blasting. I tried their "Clear4chrome" to seal a variety of NOS cast pieces already showing tiny pits from just sitting in the boxes for 60yrs. Can't speak to longevity yet but it went on very thin & looks nice.
Fully restored '54 Aero Lark
Rusty '58 Austin Healey 100-Six
Barely running'74 Chevelle Malibu

SC/397

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Re: Wanted, Aero Hooded Head Light Bezels (rough)
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2018, 09:40:11 AM »
Thanks for the leads!
I have sandblasted and painted pot metal before and yes, it is a little softer under the plating.  I have used JB Weld to fill in the pits but probably could have just used regular old bondo.  Using a etching primer or "Wash Primer" on the bare metal is the most critical part.  I am looking to paint them body color so it will be a easier process.
1948 Empire Tractor
1952 Willys Aero Wing
1953 Willys Pick-Up
1958 M-274 Willys Military Mule
1962 AMC Mighty Mite
1968-1971 Various AMC Muscle Cars

Gordie

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Re: Wanted, Aero Hooded Head Light Bezels (rough)
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2018, 01:32:12 PM »
You might contact Rick Kamen in Georgia as he  has parted out a few Willys Aero's or Rudy's KF parts in California.
Member #3151 Since June 1974
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SC/397

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Re: Wanted, Aero Hooded Head Light Bezels (rough)
« Reply #4 on: May 31, 2018, 03:01:22 PM »
Thanks.  Yep I had planned on bugging him if no one responded.  I need to make a list  of other parts that I need as well.  I will need a trunk lock set and the hood ornament backing plate if there is one.
1948 Empire Tractor
1952 Willys Aero Wing
1953 Willys Pick-Up
1958 M-274 Willys Military Mule
1962 AMC Mighty Mite
1968-1971 Various AMC Muscle Cars