Hi Guys,
I have a 1955 MkVII ‘M’, which is in need of a lot of love! It was originally a NZ car, which found its way to Queensland in the late 60s I believe. It was BRG with Suede Green interior. It is now cream, with the original interior which is shabby but serviceable. It has rust in the drivers side external edge of the bulkhead where it meets the bonnet. The rear fender and quarter panel where it meets the ‘C’ pillar is also rust, though I have a replacement body to poach panels.

Working on the door and bonnet external side chrome trim is still away off. But I do have a question. Does anyone know if the material is brass / cast / or stainless steel? Parts of it look pitted, which leads to think that they are cast, but they do have some weight to them so wonder if they are brass under the chrome or stainless. Either would be preferable as they my buff out. Any thoughts?

I’d be keen to know of any Brisbane based Mk VII owners that may be willing to answer questions from time to time…..
regards
Dan Moore

 

The strips are usually made from bending brass strips, but any castings are likely to be Mazak, which can pit dreadfully. I doubt there is any stainless steel anywhere for a 50s car. It seems to have come into use in the 70s.

 

Hi Fraser, Thanks that make sense. Sadly most of the trim is pitted. I’ve heard that you can grind back, lead fill, sand and rechrome. Seems like a lot of work (=cost) but absolutely needs the Chrome relief on those big side flanks. Regards Dan

 

Stuff made of brass can normally be rechromed, with pitting filled with bronze or suchlike then polished, (I had it done on a Mark 2 I rebuilt in the 80s), but Mazak stuff is a real pain. Nowadays with 3d printing, it should be easier to reproduce old Mazak items, but whether anybody is doing so I don't know..

 

Damoco
I suggest you get in touch with WIZARD CHROME at Narangba which is just north of Brisbane They have a method to repair Mazak which involves some chemical process to stop the corrosion followed by heavy copper plating to fill in the pitting and then re-chroming..I have had several parts of Jag Muzak repaired. eg MK1 tail light housings, MK2 tail light housings, Mk1/2 number plate/reverse light plinths. By the way it typically takes up to 2 months to complete the process.
They are not cheap but they are definitely very good.
Bill Mac

 

The correct name for the foregoing info should have been WIZARD CLASSIC CHROME and their phone number is (07) 3888 6006 They do have a website as well

 

Hi, I had a straight piece from front left door (is Brass) on a 58 Mk8 rechromed. Short Curved pieces on rear doors need replacing as they get dented. Priced replacement parts ex Uk from Worcester classic spares. Only Ł65 for new. Probably cheaper than beating out and rechroming. Great company to deal with. They ship Fedx and not expensive. Check their website.
Cheers D

 

https://worcesterclassicspares.com/