Correct Backing Plate Finnish

[Greg L.]

I just wanted to confirm the correct finnish for my 69.

I believe that originaly they had a dull silver/galvanized appearance. I had my originals zinc plated and they look "okay" except for the pitting, so I then decided to get four repros from Paragon. They look great as far as thickness, stamping, p/n and logo go but they have a obvious blueish tint to them that I don't recall my original ones to have had. I'm thinking that to be correct, I should send these out for zinc or cad plating with my next batch of hardware...what do guys think?

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Backing Plate Finnish

Greg-----

I believe that most of the REAR backing plates used for 1969, and, likely, other years, were manufactured from pre-punch galvanized material. This finish is hard to duplicate. The fronts were zinc plated. I don't think that you'll suffer any judging penalty if all 4 are zinc plated. That's the generally accepted, if incorrect, condition.

The bluish tint that you note is common with zinc plated parts. I think that you will find that it "goes away" as the zinc finish oxidizes and becomes "duller".

[Greg L.]

Re: Correct Backing Plate Finnish

Thanks Joe. I'm still learning about the different types of plating but the bill from my last plating job says that they were in fact zinc plated however they don't have this blue tint to them. Maybe there are different types of zinc plating? I wonder if I should go with a cad plating on these backing plates from paragon so that will look good for my "little photo shoot" before the body goes back on. I think you are correct though about not loosing judging points...I seem to recall hearing that before. Thanks again.

[Craig S.]

Re: Correct Backing Plate Finnish

Greg - I believe the 69 still uses the white zinc color plating vs the later gold cad colors in mid seventies. The duller silver color would be what you are after....Craig

[Greg L.]

Re: Correct Backing Plate Finnish

Thanks Craig. I'm thinking that if I use a silver cad instead of zinc, I will get a closer match to the original galvanized backing plates. I'll talk to my plater and see what he recommends.

[Craig S.]

Re: Correct Backing Plate Finnish

I think that would be true if he does silver cadmium.....Craig