1957 Biarritz

[59-in-pieces]

Joe,
Although it is unlikely that a car with about 25K miles had its hood hinges re-plated with white cadmium, when it wouldn't cost a nickle more to re-plate the hinges if they were originally gold cadmium.
However, If you drill out the rivets and you find that the metal not exposed to the light turns out to be gold, please let us know.
Have fun,
Steve B.

[Quentin Hall]

I just checked my 57 Biarritz and they are silver. I do remember my old 59 Biarritz had gold hinges however. Perhaps it was a 58 59 change.

[Jon S]

Well, my 1958 has always been garaged and the hood hinges never touched and they are definitely gold with black springs.  This car was never left out even overnight.  I believe it represents how they came from the factory.  They are a mild gold; not a blatant gold.

I would suspect that cars exposed to the elements would lose that gold tone just as many lost the gold tone of the V's on the hood and trunk that cannot be replicated properly.

I was going to clean the hinges this Spring, but now feel they are best left alone for fear of the finish being compromised.  Thoughts?

[Walter Youshock]

The car in question is a '57,  not a '58.   The hinges on my '57 are silver cad.

[Jon S]

The car in question is a '57,  not a '58.   The hinges on my '57 are silver cad.

I understand.  It seems strange that they would change from silver to gold 1957 to 1958, but who knows.

[59-in-pieces]

I can not speak to a 58, but I can speak to a 57 as silver and my 59's as gold.
I don't know why the change in plating color over those years.
However I have done such research on my 59's that it is astonishing that there are called out both gold and silver plating right down to things like dog point bolts (screws).
Unfortunately, I have not, or at least yet, found a piece by piece designation of plating on various parts -- like hood latches and hinges - that I can definitively say - there's the source.
Like this discussion, it's all anecdotal.
And maybe that is why it is taking a dog's age to get the authenticity manual for the 59 & 60 model years - a very tough job.
Have fun,
Steve B.

[Walter Youshock]

Authenticity Manuals don't write themselves.   It takes time and fine original examples whose owners are willing to document.   It's a thankless task. 

If you have a fine, original example then document it.  Offer your observations to the team.  You won't be turned away.

[David King (kz78hy)]

I have the part print for the '57 hood spring,  P/N  1467722.

The coating spec is "Japan Black Enamel"

The '58 print was not available.

The rest of the hinge could be zinc plated, I don't know, but the springs would have been black.

David

[Jon S]

Authenticity Manuals don't write themselves.   It takes time and fine original examples whose owners are willing to document.   It's a thankless task. 

If you have a fine, original example then document it.  Offer your observations to the team.  You won't be turned away.

I've offered before . . . any information you need on a 1958, just ask and I'll be happy to provide.

[Walter Youshock]

Contact bill anderson.  Get signed up as an author and start submitting your information for 1958.

[Jon S]

Contact bill anderson.  Get signed up as an author and start submitting your information for 1958.

How do I contact him?  Tried sending a PM, but no Bill or William Anderson.

I know he is the head judge, but he does not come up in a member search.

[Walter Youshock]

Bill anderson
Rivsrgr8@aol.com
Chief Judge, technical questions and authenticity.

Additional contact information on page 15 of the 2015 Membership Directory.

[Jon S]

Bill anderson
Rivsrgr8@aol.com
Chief Judge, technical questions and authenticity.

Additional contact information on page 15 of the 2015 Membership Directory.

Thanks!  Email sent.