The A-400 Group - 1931 Model A Ford Convertible Sedan Owners

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Subject: B-402206 red bumper color found ???

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Bob
Posts:34

Posted:02/19/2006 3:22 AM

I think have have a good sample of the color. After talking to an 400-A owner about the composition I started to try to figure a way to make it out of fiber. As I was going through it in my head I was thinking about what other things might be made from fiber. Then it hit me, some of the electrical washers of the era were made of red fiber. My first thought was the distributor. But then I remembered that there were some used in the cigar lighter. I got out my cigar lighter suff and sure enough there were 2 red fiber washers. Below is a picture of them with a pieces of original 400-A bumper and a few of my rubber bumpers. As you can see the 2 washers are not exactly the same color. One is on the brown side and the other is on the red side. I am guessing that they used the same material to make the red bumper. I am also guessing the there were similar color variations in the fiber bumper. I think I can get a color that is close to these. However a new problem has come up. The texture of the fiber washers is very "flat". The rubber bumpers that I have made have a "semi-gloss" texture. I think I will have to think of a way to dull down the rubber parts.

Bob
Posts:34

Posted:02/21/2006 4:27 AM

I think I have a solution to replicating a texture similar to the original fiber. I have made a new mold for the top half of the bumper. This time I layed a thin layer of medical paper tape over the "master" before I made the mold. This will give the next generation rubber bumper a flat / rough texture similar to a piece of paper. The mold has not cured yet when it does I will amke one and see what it looks like. I am still working on the color. I will have to get some cyan and white dyes before I can mix a closer color.

Here is a picture of the old mold (top) and the new mold (bottom). As you can see the old mold has a very shinny surface. The new mold has a flat texture and is similar to the red fiber washer.

What do you guys think am I getting closer?

Bob

A400 Guy
Posts:57

Posted:02/21/2006 12:29 PM

You are most certainly getting closer! The new "satin" finish looks terrific.

A400 Guy

Bob
Posts:34

Posted:02/21/2006 11:32 PM

Here is the first try with the new mold. Not quite what I was looking for. Ignore the color I am still working on getting it right. The one on the left is the new one. It seems to have too much texture. However I think some of the fibers from the paper tape came off the "master" and were stuck to the mold. When I made this part the loose fibers came off of the mold and are now on the part. The next one may have less texture since the loose fibers will not be there. Trial and error.

Bob

Bob
Posts:34

Posted:02/22/2006 6:27 AM

Here is another picture of the same 2 bumpers. This time I used the sacnner and not the camera. I also included the piece of original bumper that Tim O. sent me and 2 red electrical washers which came from the cigar lighter on my Town Car (original 1929 fiber washers). It looks better in the picture than in real life. I am going to try to get the color a little better and see if I can make the texture a little smoother.

Do not worry I will get tried of fiddling with it soon and make some for you guys.

What do you guys think close enough or needs more work?

Bob

A400 Guy
Posts:57

Posted:02/22/2006 12:18 PM

Bob:

I think that with slightly smoother texture you'd be "there". They really do look super!

A400 Guy

Bob
Posts:34

Posted:02/22/2006 5:29 PM
Here is the second try with the new mold. I am still getting too much texture. I also added more red (too much). I have one more idea to fix the texture. I am going to try to spray the "master" with some gray primer. Hopefully I will get some fine orange peel aand a dull surface. Then I will make another mold and see what I get. Bob

dclayton
Posts:7

Posted:02/22/2006 5:43 PM

Bob -

I think you are trying to achieve a finish that did not exist on the originals. These were originally machined from one inch thick vulcanized fibre; the same material as you washers, but laminated to get the thickness. Over time, moisture separates the laminations and that's why we only find partial remains of the bumpers. It's very hard to find vulcanized fibre in the proper thickness anymore. I machined a couple of sets fifteen years ago using the Ford blueprint. As you can see in this picture the finish is smooth and satin. The laminations show clearly when using the original material.

Bob
Posts:34

Posted:02/22/2006 6:06 PM
Thanks Doug, As Rosane Rosannadana would say "Never mind". I will have to do some thinking now to figure out the best way to proceed. If anyone has any thoughts please let me know. Bob

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