VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Paint on 1938 bumpers/bumper guards

There was a long thread recently about the red painted areas on grilles and other trim items. I want to confirm my understanding about paint on 1938 coupe bumpers and bumper guards.

It's my understanding that the vertical strip/indentation in the middle of 1938 bumpers was painted glossy black; in addition, the small vertical indentations near the top of the bumper guards were also painted black. Is this correct?

If so, is the best way to paint these newly chromed parts simply to scuff the chrome in those areas, mask and paint with a good glossy black paint?

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

A primer is the most important thing about painting something like chrome. If you don't use primer it won't last long. Below is a photo of a award winning show car. Look at the bumper.

I think you mean horizontal instead of vertical. Yes they get painted black. Even primer won't stick to glossy chrome, the metal where you'll paint needs to be etched or abraded first.

One correction, the verticle areas mentioned are actually horizontal.
Originally the factory applied the enamel to the "bare" chrome. They didn't scuff it up or anything.It was a light coat, just enough to hide the chrome.
Under normal conditions, little use of the car, etc. the paint will "stick". a good enamel will stick better than a primer.
On my '39 I found the front bumper would shed the paint with a lot of use. Traveling in rain storms, stones and bugs, etc. would knock the paint off. My remedy was to use black eletrical tape on the front bumper. Was the correct width and shine.
Are you sure where the red is used on a '38?

Indeed, I did, of course, mean horizontal!?!?

Gene, I am fairly confident that I know about where the red goes on a 38, but I sure would appreciate your reviewing it here for me so that I don't make a mistake.

Thanks,

Jim

Everyone knows that paint will only stick were it's almost impossible to remove is on a place that you don't want it! Like overspray. Amen

I would mask off the bumper and spray the black to-be area with satin lacquer first, the lacquer will stick to chrome,then paint the black over it and than spray more clear semi gloss over it.

Would powder coating stick?
Greg