Fender Emblems
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Fender Emblems
Acquired spare 1965 Fender emblems and according to a local platter they can not chrome pot metal but I did find a source who can apply a chrome coating on any type of material. They quoted a price of $100 for each emblem, considering the 66 new replacements emblems begin at around $65 each so I am faced with the dilemma of whether to pay the additional $70 to have the original emblems plated? I did have this company plate the instrument gauge rings for the CC panel and I was pleased with the results. Any thoughts??
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
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From: Tri Cities, TN
If the coating is durable I'd go for it. There are two chrome shops here in town one just does bumpers an grilles the other does restorations of things like the emblems. In fact they do a lot of work for Carpenter. I took a pretty decent set of 65 emblems down there to see what they would charge to re-do them. $300. each. But he said they will be just like new. I said I'll just get the re-pops.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
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Some chrome platers don't want to mess with potmetal because it tends to show pits when stripped. Filling the pits and getting a good chrome job without bubbles can take some effort. There are still plenty of chrome shops that will do it, however, you need to decide if you would rather have minor defects or repro emblems. I chose to have my originals plated because the quality of the chrome is better than the reproduction pieces....not because I am a purist. Finding a plater to do those will run around $100.00 each. At $300.00, I think they're twisting the knife, thinking that re-chroming originals is your only choice. Dave, at $100.00, I think the estimate is fair. Don't expect exactly the perfection you got with your instrument bezels because they are steel and will take chrome plating more easily. Just find out if the plater will re-do them at no charge if there are major bubbles or pits and what their expectations are. I also have had some chrome done in Northern Cal if you want a second opinion.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
The set I am considering plating is in poor condition and since a decent set of 65 emblems are hard to come by rather than having them collect dust send them in for plating; if the coating is durable and well done I may swap them for the 65 emblems that are in good condition on my 65 then sell them? I sent photos to the plater who is located in your neck of the woods, I had them plate the bezels around my gauges and very pleased with the results. I thank you for the input!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Resonateur, I agree $200 sounds reasonable and if there is a platter who is willing to chrome the emblems and stay within a reasonable price range I certainly would check it out. I have had bumpers, and accessories chromed by Quality Chrome out of San Jose, they have been in business as far back as I can remember and back then highly reputable among restorers. My dilemma is rather than discard or have them collect dust if I can recondition at a reasonable price it would be worth it.
If you could let me know how I can get in touch with a possible alternative I would appreciate it!! I be thanking you!
If you could let me know how I can get in touch with a possible alternative I would appreciate it!! I be thanking you!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1965 F100 Twin-I-Beam fender emblem was obsoleted within a few years and it's never been reproduced.
1966 F100 Twin-I-Beam fender emblem was still available from Ford in the mid 1980's and at one time was reproduced, so it's faaar more common.
1966 F100 Twin-I-Beam fender emblem was still available from Ford in the mid 1980's and at one time was reproduced, so it's faaar more common.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Bill, thank you for the information Fortunately years ago the 65 fender emblems, in good condition, were not that hard to come by, so over the years I acquired a couple of extra sets and now this particular 3 rd set of 65 emblems, in poor condition, has been collecting dust so I decided rather than recycle in the trash bin I would rescue and reconditioned/restore then decide what I intend to do?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Great White North
Is it just me but I thought several members here complained that the 65 only fender emblem is unobtainium. Is it just the F250 that is hard to come by?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
My experience has been regardless of whether for a F100/F250/F350, etc. since the 65 emblem has not been reproduced for the past 40 plus years likely find an emblem in 'good condition' few and far between; however, since posting this thread I have found there is a source for a 65 F250 emblem that is possibly available if one comes across one suggest jump on it?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
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Dave:
I have also used Quality Chrome out of San Jose. He did a good job on some emblems for me, but also ruined one by polishing through the metal. I have also uses Sherm's Custom Chrome in Sacramento. Their work was flawless, but I didn't have him do pot metal, only aluminum and steel. Sherm's was also more expensive.
I have also used Quality Chrome out of San Jose. He did a good job on some emblems for me, but also ruined one by polishing through the metal. I have also uses Sherm's Custom Chrome in Sacramento. Their work was flawless, but I didn't have him do pot metal, only aluminum and steel. Sherm's was also more expensive.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Wallyworld, VT
RangerMerc yes the 250/350 badges are impossible to find, someone here had NOS that they would take $300 for which I can see is a bargain but I can't go there yet, maybe next year, i have one fairly shabby one and hope to find another.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Dave:
I have also used Quality Chrome out of San Jose. He did a good job on some emblems for me, but also ruined one by polishing through the metal. I have also uses Sherm's Custom Chrome in Sacramento. Their work was flawless, but I didn't have him do pot metal, only aluminum and steel. Sherm's was also more expensive.
I have also used Quality Chrome out of San Jose. He did a good job on some emblems for me, but also ruined one by polishing through the metal. I have also uses Sherm's Custom Chrome in Sacramento. Their work was flawless, but I didn't have him do pot metal, only aluminum and steel. Sherm's was also more expensive.
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From: Seattle
Sorry, couldn't resist.