Which one of these was original out of the factory? Or was it both? Every time I think I've made my mind up, I see a truck buried in the weeds (that obviously never had anything replaced on it, much less ever got painted) with the other one. I'm beginning to believe that both had their place on these trucks. I couldn't be the only one who has ever wondered about this.

Is it A (flatter stainless steel)?




Or is it B (more raised, blocky)?

 

Here's what I think I know: The cast variety was first and later Ford started stamping them. Both my 48's have 'em cast. My 50 is stamped stainless steel.

As far as I know, both are OEM - just a line change or perhaps a supplier change.

 

Interesting. Thanks mtflat. That kind of goes with what I see on these 2 trucks of mine. My 49 has them cast, and they're old and weathered like you'd expect an original to be. My 50 has one of each, LOL. Somebody cut some corners a long time ago when they "fixed" it I imagine. I've never seen the stamped stainless one in any reproduction catalog.

 

Two different emblems: It all had to do with the Korean War. Copper and Chrome were in very short supply from mid-year 1951 thru 1952.

Instead of using copper and chrome, automakers in most cases, nickel plated the parts...on bare steel, then sprayed clear lacquer over the nickel to protect its finish.

The lacquer soon turned brown, then flaked off, the parts began to pit.

This process is refered to by enthusiasts as Korean War Chrome and is the reason why used (and in some cases NOS) chrome parts of this era are hard to find without major pitting.

 

VERY interesting. "Korean War Chrome" Stuff like that fascinates me. So I'm assuming there wasn't a distinct cutoff between the stamped stainless and the cast ones during that time? Or, more likely, did it vary from factory to factory based on which one was available?

 

Since chrome and copper were is short supply, automakers used the Korean War Chrome method or alternatives like stamping parts out of stainless steel, which as I recall, was also in short supply.

When people began restoring 1951/52 vehicles, finding decent unpitted chrome grilles, hood ornaments, bumpers and etc (NOS or used) at swap meets, wrecking yards or in Hemmings, was almost impossible.

Ditto today.

 

My late 50 F-1 has the stamped stainless steel. Haven't had a chance to work on them yet but if it's like the brightwork on my '31 Model A it shouldn't take more than a good buffing to restore it to like new. Not quite as shiny as chrome but a lot easier to work with.