1914-18 Ignition Switch Restoration

[richc]

I need some advice on bringing out the black color on this original 1914-18 ignition switch body. I sanded the outside to even out the surface imperfections by wet sanding all the way through to 2000 grit. The surface is smooth, but alas, not ending up black. The hard rubber up to this point is not taking on any shine. Sooo, my question is what have you used as the next step to finish bringing the appearance of the switch back to its original condition.

Thanks in advance.
Rich C.

[Hudson29]

What does it look like if moistened? Perhap some sort of clear matte or gloss coating might mak it look the way you want it to? Does anyone know how they looked new?

My own came to me painted a gloss black that has lost it luster after so many years. It looks at home on the dash.

Paul

[speedytinc]

If you wet a spot, does it look good?
If so, as simple as a coat of satin clear lacquer spray.
I have revitalized the similar finish on new day timers with clear laq.

There are commercial automotive products for plastics. I have used some on weathered plastics on my Harley.
It looks good for a while, but fades back over time.

[George House]

Heel and sole enamel (for shoes)?.. with an applicator.

[John kuehn]

Have you tried a rubbing compound? Maybe try some 3-4000 wet sanding paper.

[RVA23T]

Heat as in small tip flame polishing tool such as used on acrylic edge polishing.
I have also used a heat gun to heat polish the plastic rocker panels on my formerly owned 95 and 99 Jeep Grand Cherokees.

[TRDxB2]

I'd be careful to put anything on it other than what others have actually used. Could interact with the rubber. I
Try burnishing (rubbing) it with a shop towel. The hard threads might just do the trick.

[John kuehn]

Might try a bench mounted buffing wheel. Did it have about the same sheen as the inside? If it did maybe that was what the outside was. If it was it doesn’t look like the inside was a polished or a shiny color. What ever it was originally when it came out of the mold that was it and it wasn’t highly polished. Just a thought.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

When we are restoring similar items to a Fine-point adjudication quality on Model-As (Steering Wheel, Terminal Box, Wire Plugs, etc.) that used the same material as this switch, we use several applications of paste-wax Kiwi brand Black Shoe Polish to bring back the correct sheen. The wax actually absorbs into the item, and we often use a Nitrile glove and a finger to work it into the pores. A terrycloth towel is used to buff the excess off. Generally 2 - 3 applications makes a nice smooth finish, and it won't smear off onto your hands (-think 26/27 Steering Wheels )

[Ron Patterson]

Very nice reproductions are currently made.
Ron Patterson

[Original Smith]

I don't believe that type of switch was used that late. I've always sanded them down with very fine grit sandpaper, and waxed the outside. Never had a problem.

[Erik Johnson]

The hard rubber switch housing was used through at least the 1917 model year. My dad has a July 1917 touring that he purchased from the original owner and it has the hard rubber switch. So does the June 1917 Rip van Winkle touring. My unrestored May 1917 roadster has the later stamped steel switch housing so I presume the coil box was swapped out by the original owner who drove the car for over 30 years.

I also have a complete, original firewall from a 1917 Ford which includes the drip edge, patent plate, carb rod and escutcheon and coil box with hard rubber switch housing.

[richc]

Many thanks to all the responses concerning my request for solutions to bringing out a nice black finish to my original hard rubber ignition switch body. As a follow up, I took the suggestions of Brent T and Larry S and used a wax polish and it worked just fine!

The question of when this type of switch was replaced by the type with the steel cover was raised and I cannot say from experience. I went by the MTFCI Judging Guidelines which said the rubber type was typical for a 1918 model year T. The 2024 Stynoski winner is a 1918 touring and it has the hard rubber switch. Of course the judging was based on the MTFCI guidelines and they perhaps could use a revision to include both types of switches if the latter type was introduced during the year.

Cheers,
Rich C.