nearchoclatetown Posted July 25, 2015 Share Posted July 25, 2015 I have a Solar spot light on a 1918 truck. When I stripped all the layers of paint off it was copper plated. Some parts are steel and others brass. Why would they have plated it when it got painted? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 Just curious, what kind of truck? Also could you post some pictures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted July 26, 2015 Author Share Posted July 26, 2015 1918 Dodge Brothers military, has no electrical system only kerosene cowl and tail lights and acetylene spot light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I think this is simply that either Dodge or the military bought a Solar lamp and painted it. Solar naturally made searchlamps for cars and boats and the combination of brass, copper and steel is not unusual. That's my take. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 I'm sure you are correct. It's not a light specifically for this truck or maybe not even specifically for the military. I guess my question is why copper plate brass? If it's for rust proofing that's kind of suspenders and a belt. And if so why only the outside as the inside was not plated? It was and will be OD green. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I have been told that some of the brass in the early years was because it was easier to form than steel at the time. By about 1915 +- the stamping of steel got better. Just what I have heard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 The main body of the light is steel that is copper plated. The hinges and latches are copper plated brass. BUT only on the outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1909schacht Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 my understanding of the plating process is that steel must first be copper or brass plated before it is chromed...not sure if the same process goes for nickel platingI know that the military painted bright work on a regular basis so as not to draw attention to itself...this may have been a spot light that was diverted to the paint shop prior to the final plating process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JV Puleo Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Steel does not have to be copper plated... but the plating is more durable if it is copper plated.As stated above, the military wanted only drab, non reflective surfaces on all vehicles (as well as uniforms and arms), a process that began around 1902 and has continued to the present day. Its also extremely unlikely that the light was made to a military pattern. It was either supplied with the truck or purchased from an outside vendor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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