Painting bumper clamps

[Barnwood]

Hello,

My dad has a '31.

My dad asked me to tape up his bumper clamp so he could spray paint them blue. It didn't look nice, though. Does anyone have advice on how to paint? I have a very steady hand and could paint it by hand if I knew how to prepare the surface and found good paint. I don't know if the brush strokes would look good, though. My dad is curious how they were painted in 1931.

He bought these plain ones: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7181&cat=41657 He didn't want to use decals.

But maybe I could buy these painted ones for him: https://mudsclassicparts.com/1928-19...per-clamp-new/

[mercman from oz]

Does anyone have advice on how to paint? - Barnwood

[jquinlan]

Parts suppliers sell stickers that look perfect in those bumper clamps. Don't paint them, use the stickers. Looks more professional.

Jim

[TMarsh]

Ditto, I have them on my 30 coupe, and I think they look great.

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by Barnwood

Hello,

My dad has a '31.

My dad asked me to tape up his bumper clamp so he could spray paint them blue. It didn't look nice, though.

<snip>

My dad is curious how they were painted in 1931.

<snip>

A mask was placed in front of the clamp and the dark blue paint was sprayed through it, on to the clamp.

The mask gives a smooth edge that you do not get with masking tape.

[CarlG]

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I painted mine with a brush, using paint I bought from Berts.

[springerpete]

Ditto CarlG. Spend time making sure area to be painted is very clean. Use acetone. Rough area a bit first then clean.

[jb-ob]

You could drill four holes in a scrap piece of lumber to hold the clamps facing up. After cleaning as mentioned above, use One Shot Lettering Enamel #158 Dark Blue straight from the can. If you move quickly, you can 'flood' the recess, leaving no brush strokes.

Not satisfied, this enamel will wash off with mineral spirits.

[TerryO]

Paint the clamp then take lacquer thinner and dampen a rag and carefully clean the edges. Works for me...


TOB

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I painted mine with a brush, using paint I bought from Berts.

The "Bumper Clamp Blue" in the Paint and Finish Guide is quite a bit darker than the stickers you can get from the suppliers. I recall that years ago there were small bottles of lacquer available in the correct color with a brush in the bottle - sort of like a fingernail polish. However, I haven't seen those bottles for at least the last five years at the suppliers I frequent. When did you get your bottle from Berts? Does anyone know any other supplier that has the paint?


JayJay

[katy]

Looks like they could be cleaned up w/a steady hand and an exacto knife.

[Gary Karr]

I paint them all the time with great success and have never lost points on them in fine point judging. The correct color is "Harding Blue." I use lacquer. I simply tape off the raised center part then spray them. Then, with a paper towel wet with lacquer thinner, I simply wipe the edges clean while turning the medallion in my left hand.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by JayJay

The "Bumper Clamp Blue" in the Paint and Finish Guide is quite a bit darker than the stickers you can get from the suppliers. I recall that years ago there were small bottles of lacquer available in the correct color with a brush in the bottle - sort of like a fingernail polish. However, I haven't seen those bottles for at least the last five years at the suppliers I frequent. When did you get your bottle from Berts? Does anyone know any other supplier that has the paint?


JayJay

Probably about 7 or 8 years ago.

[GRutter]

You can use this - available on Amazon
One Shot Dark Blue Quarter Pint #158
Brand: ONE SHOT/A.S.E.T. KUSTOM

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by GRutter

You can use this - available on Amazon
One Shot Dark Blue Quarter Pint #158
Brand: ONE SHOT/A.S.E.T. KUSTOM

Thanks, GRutter. That looks good. I've used OneShot paints in the past to highlight lettering on some castings I've prettied up and it's nice stuff to work with. I also have some old fashioned RustOleum enamels in blue and black, and may just mix up some of my own when I get to that point.


JayJay

[Dale G.]

Will Cronkite makes templates to spray paint bumper clamps. Also the template for painting the inserts on dash panels. They work great. If you get a little overspray, use a soft cloth and some acetone around the edges to make the paint even. Looks like factory.

[The Master Cylinder]

Originally Posted by Dale G.

Will Cronkite makes templates to spray paint bumper clamps. Also the template for painting the inserts on dash panels. They work great. If you get a little overspray, use a soft cloth and some acetone around the edges to make the paint even. Looks like factory.

Contact info?

[31Tudor]

I don't think Will has any, or makes any of them anymore. He has gotten rid of all of his Model A things.

[Ivan in southeast va.]

Jack Benny says it all..