WTB: Nice '64-'65 Horn Bar.

[SBRMD]

Hi All,

Finally getting around to installing my beautiful renewed Koch's steering wheel (thanks again for organizing Loren!), and find that my fairly pitted-up horn bar is suddenly a little uglier than I remember it!

Anybody have a nice (ie unpitted and nice chrome, black still on the bar) one available?

Thanks in advance,
Steve in Mpls.

[elagache]

Dear Steve and mid-60s Buick restorers,

Finally getting around to installing my beautiful renewed Koch's steering wheel (thanks again for organizing Loren!), and find that my fairly pitted-up horn bar is suddenly a little uglier than I remember it!

Anybody have a nice (ie unpitted and nice chrome, black still on the bar) one available?

Best of luck trying to find a nice horn bar.  Alas, I suspect you are in for a long search.  That's the obstacle that caused me to switch to another steering wheel.  Since then I've wondered if these horn bars could be restored.  The parts could be rechromed.  The 64-dollar question remains how to restore the black paint.

It is a back-burner sort of question, but perhaps if we all scratch our heads a bit,  we might come up with a viable scheme. 

Cheers, Edouard 

[vinnie]

I have got one, but will have to check on the condition. Will let you know.

[vinnie]

steve, found the horn bar. light pitting on the area behind the raised area, Black area looks like most others with some of the black warn off. Will try and load a picture. If interested PM me with your zip code.

[SBRMD]

Thanks Vinnie.  That one doesn't improve my situation, but I appreciate your posting.

Still looking....

[vinnie]

Steve, look luck with your search. Now that I have it out I am going to take it apart and repaint the black area. With a small brush and flat black Testor's it should like new.

[option B9]

   Painting the backround (black) area is not that difficult, First clean the area real good with prep-sol or some Isopropyl alcohol let it dry. Then mask off the area that you don't want painted, (don't mask off the letters) pick the brand of black paint you wish to use  Krylon, Rustolum, or other brands. Then the type,Flat,Satin,Semi-Gloss,Gloss If you use a spray can you are ready to spray. If you are using a (raw) 1/2 pint can you can use an artist brush OR if you have a air compressor you can use a detail spray gun ($13 to 30 depending on the retail store. I own several types of detail guns and they are the best investments for a DIY shop.) If you are using a brush, thin the paint to where it is not like glue but flows easily off of a Popsicle stick or plastic spoon. If you are using a detail gun thin the paint down in a separate container then pour it into the gun using a disposable paint filter and adjust the gun for the correct flow, pattern and air pressure.
   Paint the entire area, then wait at least 5 minutes then take a small piece of rag dip it in some thinner get a small flat head screwdriver put it in the rag and go over the letters removing the the paint on the surface of the letters, you may have to do it several times to remove all the paint. but when done it will look great. 
  TIP When doing detail work using raw enamel paint i never use "Mineral Spirits" Its too greasy and does not dry fast enough. I use professorial mid temperature  "Enamel Thinner" that the auto body shops use. It dries faster and does not leave any greasy residue, you can re-coat in several minutes and the work comes out fantastic !! the downside is that it costs $30+ a gallon. But considering the time saved and the quality of the work It's well worth the cost..Your auto body supply center has this thinner. 
  TIP If you do use the Enamel Thinner only use it to thin the paint ! For clean-up use the cheaper"Mineral Spirits" to clean the gun. and if you put the dirty mineral spirits into a container and let it sit for a week or so all of the paint will fall to the bottom and you can re-use the thinner saving you money... 

[vinnie]

Thanks for the info. Looks like a fairly simple job. Will post the final product when done.

[vinnie]

Well, got the horn bar done. Looks good, still has the minor pitting but a chrome shop can make it like new.

[65GSConv]

I would say that looks great. Did you use Option B9's technique? How hard was the taping? And removing where the paint wasn't meant to be (like on the letters)?

[GS66]

That turned out great!

[vinnie]

I removed the center section from the outside part which allowed me to go over the chrome part with fine steel wool to clean up the areas that were hard to get to when together. I sat down with a bottle of Testor's fl. black paint and a very small artist's brush and within 15 minutes it was done. No masking, just took my time. A little chrome polish and put it back together.

[cwmcobra]

Nice job Glenn! 

[elagache]

Dear Glenn, 65GSConv, Jim, Chuck and mid-60s Buick owners with an eye to fine detail,

Well, got the horn bar done. Looks good, still has the minor pitting but a chrome shop can make it like new.

Bingo!     I think you have found the needed technique to restore these horn bars!  I never thought of simply painting with a fine brush, but after all, I used that technique many times on my model railroad.  As you say, take your time and be fastidious!

Cheers, Edouard