I have three hub caps for my 54 3100. They have a lot of surface rust, but appear to have been painted originally. The color scheme is a white background with a large blue Chevy bow tie and a small white bow tie within it. I seem to recall having read somewhere that the hub caps were painted rather than chromed for a period around the time of the Korean War. Is there any truth to the relation to the war or were chrome caps just an option at the time?

I am trying to keep my truck somewhat original in appearance and if there is a connection to the war effort that would be interesting. The problem is that I need two more caps and the ones available from the usual suspects come in chrome only. I am considering just looking for some used ones and re-painting them (this is a working truck, not a trailer queen by any means). Of course this is all moot if they are supposed to be chrome anyway.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Aaron Frechette