46-48 dash trim

Django

Django

Well-known member
What is the story on the chrome dash trim? Just an interesting aftermarket replacement part? They were all some form of plastic originally right? I remember we had some on a '46 and a '47 back in the '80s. Who first started making them?
 
I think the early '42 to '48 chrome dash trim was an after-market "dress up" accessory, not Ford, probably available at auto parts stores like Pep Boys and mail order places like JC Whitney. I don't know when they came on the market but I remember seeing them on cars back in the '60's. As I recall, the chrome accessory does not have the hole in the radio speaker panel for the center mounted radio antenna.
 
The '46-'48 chrome dash trim was already listed in many auto accessory catalogs in the early '50's. I have a MEHREN INDUSTRIES SPEED EQUIPMENT catalog dated 1952 which shows them listed for $15.95. They were located in Beverly Hills,Ca.
 
I did a little research on this a few years back when I had my 47 Coupe. I replaced the old plastic with new but in about 2 yrs the new plastic started warping and getting out of shape . I talked with the folks at D.C. & B.D. about buying a set of the die cast ones before they went to the chrome plater , so I could paint them the correct color and they would last longer, but niether one could supply me with an unplated set. I never did like the chromed ones because in the summertime the glare from the sun can be terrible at times. I dont think Ford ever had any Chrome ones from the factory , they had discovered the many uses of plastic and it was new and cheaper than metal .
 
Ken/Alabama: It is about time you quit leaning against that 40 Coupe and got to work doing something productive. LOL Lawson
 
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