What did these look like from the factory? the one's on my 69 coronet are not vibrant show quality chrome and are slightly textured. trying to figure out how much of this appearance relates to their age?...have looked around but have never seen an up close picture of a real nice insert from a power bulge.

If they were chromed (like a bumper) I assume these get replated in a resto?

Thanks

To me, they appear to be chrome, then painted a fine textured argent then finaly flat black in the recesses.
The texture is similar to 180 grit sand paper, but not sharp.

They were never shiny chrome... They should have a sand blasted nickel appearance with the inset areas satin black...

Glad this topic came up... I thought the ones I have here are toast.

Let's elaborate on this a little.
I'm looking at 43 year old originals.
The black is flat and may be oxidized so, I cannot be certain that semi was not there originally. BUT, the black appears the same as the black on my nos taillight bezels that have only the slightest tinge of satin. So I do not know what to call it as it does not hold to typical satin finish as I know it. This "flat" black as I call it is also around the original grill r/t emblem from the car that was removed in '67 and stored.
Is there a chance there were different trim suppliers?
Now on the chrome area of the hood inserts, I cleaned it off with acetone.
The pins on the back side are definately shiny chrome plated.
I believe the inserts are made of pot metal that may have had the "sand-paper-like texture I described above then plated over to give it the sort of dull chrome finish, BUT, again I do not know if it is the chrome finish, or a paint over the chrome. If it's paint, the acetone did not remove it easily (I did not allow it to soak, just wiped over it.
Maybe someone that knows for certain how they were prepared can clear it up?

I was curious about this too when I had my '68 'Bee... I spent considerable time under survivor tents and leaning over fenders. I would love to see a good clear pic of an NOS one... Anyway, I believe that you are correct. Textured pot metal with chrome plating.

yeah, i took my pair to a chrome shop and had them chrome, i thought the chrome shop messed up the inserts, after arguing with the chrome shop about the finish, i talked to alot of people and everybody agrees they have a almost sanded look, and i used satin black to paint back in the grooves, turn out pretty nice, however , my car is my no means
show car, just a nice driver

taking them to get rechromed did make them look alot better, before i had rechromed, they really looked like someone had took a da to them, now the chrome does seem brighter

This is about the nicest set I have ever seen and as close to NOS minus the black paint. They are pit free and have the correct finish. That being said I did have another set of inserts that were more chrome like and they too appeared to be original also. There could have been a supplier change at one point hence the difference in appearance.....

Another close-up pic...

My set appears to be the twin of those, same finish, zero pitting, been out of circulation for 30 years & spent the first ten years here in California so no harsh climate... Now if I could just finish the car....

definetly not bright shiny chrome and definetly not painted.

I'm pretty sure bright chrome would be a no-no in the drivers field of view (i.e. wiper arms). Looking at mine I know the studs have bright chrome on them. I'm thinking they were chemically etched after bright chrome. i.e. us26d

I have a couple of sets of these one set is a little nicer then the other but there finish is the same as far as the etched chrome appearance.

Bottom side.

On the bottom side pic, am I seeing bright chrome on parts of it? Near the tips of the studs is it bright chrome?
If it is, that is the same as the ones I have. If so, I think it leans to an acid etched finish on the top side