1955 gold 'V' emblem question

[Pete Hill]

First post on this board, please be kind to the "new guy"! I'm putting together a display of Corvette emblems from '53 to present and I've run into a question my humble reference library can not answer. I recently received examples of the 1955 gold 'V' emblems that fit over the "Chevrolet" side emblem. The ones I received are not NOS of course but they don't look right. These appear to be molded, probably plastic of some sort, and painted. I expected metal. Obverse looks correct but the reverse is solid (flat) except for two small mounting pins. They don't really fit over or on the script emblem and don't seem correct. Are these the best one can get now or are they totally wrong? What were the real ones like? Help and thanks!

[Joseph T.]

Re: 1955 gold 'V' emblem question

Pete I have owned this pair of gold V's for a while. I Can't verify their origin ...they are metal but not magnetic.

There is a part # 3718384 and a second # 10859 on the back. The V's are notched to fit over the original flat style script.

Maybe someone else can add some more.

[Pete Hill]

Re: 1955 gold 'V' emblem question

Thanks for the response Joe. Yours look like what I was expecting. The ones I just received are solid backed and not notched so they could not fit over the script at all. If anyone can recommend a source for a set of decent repro gold V's please advise. Thanks again Joe!

[Dave Suesz]

The proper ones are darned expensive, because

the "gold" color is from, well, actual gold plating. They are hollow backed base metal with gold plate. Corvette Central lists them for $119.70/pair, which sounds right, The ones I got 20 years ago were $60/pair.

[Joseph T.]

Back side of 1955 Gold V's

These are probably authentic..but I have had them for a long time and can't remember where I got them. Seems like I had another single..but it must be buried in some box.

Maybe Roy Braatz can say more about the gold V's

There is a 55 sitting in a garage in St.Louis after the death of its owner...a few years ago. One day the daughter will probably sell it.

[Roy B.]

Re: Back side of 1955 Gold V's

The gold V's were repro'ed years ago by some one and they even had the part# inside just like the real ones. I don't know who repro's them for C&C . I had mine 18K gold plated by my chrome shop so that they wont dull like the original's did. Cost is about $60.00 each. The original were not real "gold" plated.

[Joseph T.]

Re: Back side of 1955 Gold V's

Roy

The part # on the inside of these are not as nice as I think they should be..which leads me to believe they were recast.

18Kt..did it come out a little dark?

Joe

[Roy B.]

Re: Back side of 1955 Gold V's JOE

No they look great , had them done 20 years ago. Like your wedding ring looks.

[Pete Hill]

Re: Back side of 1955 Gold V's JOE

Thanks very much for the additional pictures, information and opinions! I now am at least confident the pair I bought need to be returned and am much better informed for the hunt. Thanks again, Pete.