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#1307718 04/19/2019 3:16 PM
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'Bolter
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Have a transmission shifting diagram from the dash of my truck that will probably reattach after dash is painted. Looking for advice on how to clean/refurbish it, or should I just leave it alone
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51 1 ton Panel
Betty, she's a handful
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Bolter
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What type of metal?🛠


Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
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'Bolter
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This is cool! Where did it mount on the dash? Was this common to the 1-ton panel trucks? Those of us with a 4-speed transmission pattern like this just may want to locate one as well...

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I'd say an easy pass on a buffing wheel. If you're not sure, test on the back side. You might not get all the nooks and crannies, but that'll give it the well worn patina look.

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I have one of these plates and had never seen another until your post. I used a mild rubbing compound (jewelers rouge) to clean off the accumulated grime. It is pretty soft alloy.
Something else l did since I did not want to drill my dash. I attached the plate and screw heads with acrylic caulk (non-silicone). If you need to remove it peels right off and did not damage my paint.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129178187/in/album-72157631867396207/
This is the parts truck I pulled mine from (1952 3600 Farm Truck).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/15218113173/in/album-72157631868452754/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/15837526685/in/album-72157631868452754/






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Big Bolt Forum Moderator
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way cool! I would agree with some rubbing compound, probably on a rag to start with, depends on the finished look you are going for. You can buff it way up and repaint the center black, then carefully take the paint off the ridges and numbers.


Mike
1955 Chevy 6400 ex-flatbed (no bed now!) sold September 2023
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1958 Chevy 6400 flatbed W/dump
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1959 Chevy Suburban Owned for almost 20 years, Daily Driver -- sold May 2016
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It is likely zinc.

Be real careful with it and any abrasives.

If it was painted you could again and then selectively sand the high spots with 400 or 600 grit paper.


1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
---All pictures---
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What about a little dip in vinegar? I know vinegar will make a penny shine like new after a little soak. Test the back first.


1970 Chevrolet C10
Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny
Follow the build in the Project Journal
1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually
"Ole Red Girl"
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1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's
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1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
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Thanks for all the replies. Do not know what type of metal it is but it is very soft and bendable.
This was located above the speedometer and attached with clutch head screws, since the holes are already there think I will reattach it the same way.
She was originally a Navy truck so I don't know if that had anything to do with the reason for the shift pattern plate being there. The only buffing wheels I have are for the dremel and have no experience using them. Whatever I do i will test on back first before proceeding, sounds like these aren't readily available so probably try not to screw it up.
Thanks again to all on this site there is so much knowledge I have obtained here.


51 1 ton Panel
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'Bolter
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FYI--Brad has shared with me that this dash plate is 2-1/2" square.

LUKE

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Happy New Year! My search is over; this unique Christmas present arrived in my mailbox today. What a story...it involved three guys that were total strangers a few months ago, who then forged a relationship over a quirky part. The dash plate was on a 1958 1-ton truck that originally worked on the White Sands Military Base near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Time now to prep this little gem for installation this spring on the dash of my '48 Chevy 1/2 ton truck. As some might say--it is as rare as rocking horse manure! As it has been stated before, people in the old truck hobby are simply the best. Thanks to all who provided me with leads during my search.
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I'd use toothpaste and a soft cloth to do a little polishing/cleaning. It's a trick us gunsmiths use sometimes when working with heirloom firearms that we want to clean up a little without disturbing the patina. Cleaning/polishing old guns can dramatically reduce the collector's value, sometimes by half or more.
Jerry


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The project is complete. It will no doubt become a conversation starter.
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Anyone have one for sale or know where I can find one?

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Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
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Originally Posted by NorCal52Suburban
Anyone have one for sale or know where I can find one?
Please post a want ad in the swap meet section.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
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1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.

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