Reply To: Radiator brightwork

[Kim Scorah Bourget]

Tony,

There were optional finishes on the Pierce Arrows prior to 1916 and even up through the Series 31-51.For a supporting source,check a Series 3 parts book.There are references to brass finish,nickel finish and what is called a black nickel finish.There was also a choice of a white face or a black face on the instruments.There are different part numbers for each of these items.My very original C-3 has the nickel finish over the brass parts and a German Silver radiator.Had the car been ordered in the brass finish,the radiator would have been brass.I was told the black nickel finish was like a gun blue finish.I have neen a 1910 36 UU in the nickel finish.In the pre-1916 era,the radiators were made by Fedders and Mayo.These were one piece units.The Series 3 and earlier radiators have the sharp seam around the outer edge while Series 4 and series 5 were smooth.Series 31-51 had a removable shell.