Weathering a New Radiator cap?

[spdway1]

What is the best way to make a NEW thermo qual look weathered, not shiny? My truck is mostly original and has no shine. I do not want to have a bright new piece on the truck front and center. Thank you.

 

[Cape Codder]

How about a "Scotch" pad and a little Elbow Grease?

 

[nkaminar]

Bury it in the backyard for a while.

 

[noboD]

Tie it to the bumper and drag it up and down the driveway a few times.

 

[TerryO]

Just put it on and drive it, eventually it will look old...
TOB

 

[Model "A" Fords]

Advertise on the Barn want ads for a used one to trade for your new one.

 

[ModelA29]

Get some matte clear and take the sheen off some areas. Don't scotch brite it that will just scratch the surface. You also might try some acid to strip the chrome from some areas.

 

[Zax40]

Just install it with your hands properly seasoned

 

[1955cj5]

If it's chrome then you will probably have to buff it off. That will expose whatever is underneath, but if the material underneath is not brass it may not look very authentic.

I used Buffing Compound and a buffing wheel to polish the shine off this key that came with the reproduction/imitation pop-out ignition switch.

 

[1955cj5]

If the radiator cap happens to be nickel plated, which I think is unlikely, you can use Brass Black to darken it. It can then be polished to achieve whatever level of weathering suits you.

I have not had any luck using this stuff on chrome, but there maybe something out there that will work.

 

[eagle]

I have used steel wool on "too shiny" chrome. It will polish dull chrome and dullen shiny chrome. Works for me. My A was in a building that had a fire, the chrome turned a smoky almost brasslike color. Steel wool cleaned it up nicely. I put a new Quail on too and it looked too new, so I dulled it with steel wool.

 

[ronn]

what about a light "blast" in a cabinet?


maybe walnut shells............