1940’s multiplex restoration project

[racerx45]

Hello,
Glad to see the new area in the forum.
I am about to start my first Fountain Dispenser restoration and wanted to know if anyone had any tips.
 
My main question would be on restoring the enamel badges, I have not done this before and am not sure what, where or how to get it done.

Maybe I'm giving away the fact that I don't know that much about dispensers but what do you mean by enamel badges?

Nate

[Jim]

Steve,

I've never attempted this but perhaps you could send the badges out to be replated(chrome), they'll strip them down and rechrome them so when you get them back you could have a sign letter painter repaint them like the original...?
Take pictures of them first; possibly take them somewhere to match the colors with some lettering paint prior to replating.

[racerx45]

Well the Multiplex Company used badges/plates on their early dispensers, unlike other manufactures that embossed theirs. If you have a copy of Allen Petretti’s Coca-Cola price guide 11th edition you can see them on page 439. Or I have posted a few pictures on the web; the first one is a very nice original, the second is a picture of the dispenser I am restoring.

Plate Picture

Dispenser Picture

As you can see the plates (there are 3 of them) need some help. I don’t know what the process is for the “enamel”, but I think it involves baking (the phase “baked enamel” is just stuck in my head).

[racerx45]

Jim,
 I think I might have to go with painting the plates, but would really like to have them enameled. If you see the plate up close the chrome is raised. Also the finish is very smooth almost flowing, there is no dimpling/orange peel in it that occurs with painting. It is hard to describe, it reminds me of stained glass. I think that redoing the chrome and then painting would take a lot away from it. Hopefully someone out there will know how to restore the original finish.
Steve

[Jim]

Steve,

I still think replating will have to be done to get the original look. As far as the red background and white lettering is concerned, painting could be an option depending on the ability to get proper adhesion to the chrome surface...?
Additionally, very little dimpling/orange peel if any would occur since the badges can be sprayed flat allowing hte paint to flow out like glass!
Another alternative could be looking into powder coating the red background after replating. You could mask off the raised chrome sections, spray the powder and then removed the masking prior to baking...
They may even have a red that is very, very close to the dispenser color being sprayed...

[Creighton]

Hello,

Suggest getting a copy of Hemming Motor News, look in the back for restoration folks that specialize in vintage brightwork or badge repair.

Typically located on the raditor shell were Cord, Packard etc... enameled emblems (badges) similiar in construction to what you have. They can be restored but you may want to be sitting down when you get the quote :-) It does involve high heat. I have no idea of the full process.

Best regards,
Creighton

After looking at your picture it would seem like Jim's suggestion of powedercoat after chrome would give you the best finish and durability. Powdercoat sticks wonderfully to chrome. (I just had my Italian bicycle powdercoated and it's frame was completely chromed with some spots revealed much like your badge).

Nate

[racerx45]

Thanks guys, some good ideas. I think I will wait until every thing else is done before I do the badges, then I will know how much I will want to spend on them. I will keep every one posted on the progress.