My wife will be the first to say that I'm a cheap SOB. This, of course, aggravates her during evenings when we dine out. But when it comes to funneling money into my '64 Nova project, she's all for my cheap SOB'ing ways. Recently, I scored points with the missus when I restored the Nova's chrome emblems. The to-do list included the front and rear trim for the hood and trunk, and the two "6" emblems that attach distinctively to the lower front quarter-panels. The original colors for the emblems had weathered and faded, detracting from the polishing I gave the chrome (original, I'm proud to report), not to mention diminishing the sparkle that the car's new white paint gave off. The solution was found in a few cans of paint and a hobbyist's small detailing paintbrush. I needed colors that matched the original pigments, ultimately tracing down a matte black for the outer portions of the trim, and appropriate blue and red for the main treatment. Satisfied with my color choices, I went to work, taking my time to apply each coat to their respective sections within the emblems themselves. It took about three applications per color to fully cover the plated metal, and any paint that managed to creep up to the polished chrome was easily removed with a straight-edge razor blade after it dried. After spending a couple evenings in the garage with my parts, I was finished. The following evening I spent the money that I saved being a cheap SOB for a candlelight dinner with my wife. She was happy with the fresh sea bass and California chardonnay that she ordered, and I was happy with the fresh look of my Nova's emblems. Happiness can be bought. The chrome trim on my '64 Nova is original, and in pretty good shape, but the Chevrolet emblems were faded,...The chrome trim on my '64 Nova is original, and in pretty good shape, but the Chevrolet em ...prompting me to give them a new coat of paint. A couple of cans of quality paint, a small brush to apply the colors, and you're ready to rock 'n' roll. These small cans cost less than $5 each at the local hardware store.A couple of cans of quality paint, a small brush to apply the colors, and you're ready to The trick is to paint within the lines. I suggest capping your caffeine intake before starting. But if you happen to mess up, use a razor blade to trim the excess paint off the chrome.The trick is to paint within the lines. I suggest capping your caffeine intake before star After a couple evenings in the garage, the Chevrolet emblems were painted and ready to go. This piece of chrome mounts to the front of the Nova's hood.After a couple evenings in the garage, the Chevrolet emblems were painted and ready to go. By Dain Gingerelli Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
