Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,665 Threads: 46
Reputation:
25
Location: Auckland NZ
Car type: 36 Nippy, 31 RM, 38 Special, 24 Works Rep
28-12-2017, 08:12 PM
(This post was last modified: 28-12-2017, 08:13 PM by Ian Williams.)
I was browsing some pictures and found this lovely shot of what appears to be a brand new Mk1 Ruby, the thing that stood out to me was the obvious difference in the finish of the window frames compared to the rest of the paintwork. Can anyone advise what these finishes were when new?
LATplate-Red-7934-Austin-Seven-Ruby-ed-ws.jpg (Size: 236.14 KB / Downloads: 611)
Black Art Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 5,180 Threads: 222
Reputation:
59
Location: Scotchland
I finished my Mk1 Pearl windows in black with a spot of light blue mixed in on the advice of Nick Beck - it gives a slightly pastel finish to the black.
His son Rob is a Forum member and will be able to give more details.
The photo is splendid - nice find!
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,665 Threads: 46
Reputation:
25
Location: Auckland NZ
Car type: 36 Nippy, 31 RM, 38 Special, 24 Works Rep
Would you say that the finish in the photo is matt or satin rather than gloss, it certainly appears that way to me?
Black Art Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 5,180 Threads: 222
Reputation:
59
Location: Scotchland
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,927 Threads: 160
Reputation:
35
Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Most, if not all, Mark 1 Rubies had the window frames painted in a second colour, which is the case here. Usually this would be black to contrast with the main body colour; I suspect here the main body colour is black, in which case I would guess the window frames are Westminster Green to match the upholstery.
I have encountered several cars with the original paint finish over the years, and from my experience the frames have always been normal gloss, but this photo doesn't show any reflections in the frame paint, which rather suggests it is a matte finish in this case. Most interesting, and a super photo.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 120 Threads: 20
Reputation:
0
What a lovely photo. The Ruby is an early model as it has a 'bobble' on the indicator arm. But are my eyes deceiving me, or is the starting handle resting to the right rather than the left?
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,927 Threads: 160
Reputation:
35
Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
29-12-2017, 10:03 AM
(This post was last modified: 29-12-2017, 10:05 AM by Mike Costigan.)
On reflection (and aren't those beautiful reflections in that paint job!) I think I need to add to my comment above. First of all, I'm relying on my memories of vehicles seen fifty years ago - not a good start! But let's look at 'Old Smokey', seen here in 1969:
1969 Ashgate Road.800.jpg (Size: 167.65 KB / Downloads: 458)
As you can see, the original Maroon was chalky and far from glossy, and the Black wings only slightly more glossy; it's relatively easy to buff-up a matte or semi-matte finish to give it a bit of a sheen, maybe those window frames were not, as I recall, faded gloss, but well-preserved matte?
As for that original photo, again we need to take evidence seen on period photos with caution. Why was the photo taken? Was it for publicity purposes, in which case it may represent finishes as presented to the public, or was it taken for evaluation purposes, to assess whether a proposed treatment was satisfactory? As Robin points out, this car has early trafficator arms, and the reflections show a row of cars possibly with chrome radiators, so my guess is it's probably a 1934 car, maybe a pre-production model, in which case this may not represent normal production line finishes.
And, yes, Robin, it looks to me like the starting handle is not located in the usual position.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,665 Threads: 46
Reputation:
25
Location: Auckland NZ
Car type: 36 Nippy, 31 RM, 38 Special, 24 Works Rep
29-12-2017, 10:14 AM
(This post was last modified: 29-12-2017, 10:35 AM by Ian Williams.)
It will be extremely interesting and educational to scrutinise more period pictures just incase we are making mistakes when restoring cars today.
I found this one which although LHD export appears to have the same finish
AUSTIN MOTOR CO - 7 RUBY ARQ - 1934.jpg (Size: 52.71 KB / Downloads: 450)
Black Art Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,927 Threads: 160
Reputation:
35
Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
29-12-2017, 04:10 PM
(This post was last modified: 29-12-2017, 04:11 PM by Mike Costigan.)
I would agree, Ian; the window frames on that one don't appear to be a gloss finish. Notice the very pronounced reflection in the glass, which I would expect to be repeated in some manner in the paintwork if it was gloss. Also interesting: that car has no trafficators; did they not feature on Australian cars of the period?
Edit: Of course, it's left-hand drive, so probably not Australian anyway ...
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 120 Threads: 20
Reputation:
0
(29-12-2017, 10:14 AM)Ian Williams Wrote: It will be extremely interesting and educational to scrutinise more period pictures just incase we are making mistakes when restoring cars today.
I found this one which although LHD export appears to have the same finish
Ian, you've found two wonderful period photos by just 'browsing' - on the internet or your own collection? If the latter, keep bringing them on, please. No we don't want to be making mistakes when restoring cars today, and you don't have to be a concours addict to hold that view.
|
