1950 Striker Plates

[KJongenburger]

Once again I need a little advice (Won't be the last time I guess).

I found my striker plates painted. All 4 of them. Like this:


Now when I started to clean the up a pair of gems appeared from under the paint. Beautifully polished, including the screw heads.


Since I would like to restore the car to a more or less original state I wonder: Was Studebaker, back in September of 1949 crazy enough to polish the strikerplates and the screwhead and thereafter hide their work behind a layer of paint?

Do I paint them with the body or should I leave them shining?

[Bob54]

I noticed the same with my '54's. They looked so good I decided to clear coat them and leave them unpainted. Eager to hear responses from other forum members.
Bob

[royvaldez]

They were painted from the factory.

[KJongenburger]

Thanks for the info Roy,

Now I have the dilemma. Do I hide these beauties under paint or do I show the incredible craftsmanship and quality of the Studebaker factory. I found the hinges have polished screws too.

[52 Ragtop]

I have new screws that will make it look great! I painted the latches on my 52, used the stainless screws!

Jim

[royvaldez]

You can spray them with clear paint.

[Lothar]

Whats the finish that leaves them looking amber/brassy? That would be good. Otherwise, I would clearcoat them, to heck with being bone stock.

[KJongenburger]

Whats the finish that leaves them looking amber/brassy? ...

John.

At the moment there is no finish. The yellow glow is from the lamp above my table, the camera would normally compensate for this but since I used the flash also it takes the white balance bias for flash.