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Here is a question I have not been able to find the answer to. I have been doing this work for over 55 years and still run into things that I do not know, and/or have never seen before.
I am rebuilding a set of early WL 18" wheels. The rear wheel and hub are straightforward, but I have a question on what process the Motor Company used on manufacturing this front wheel and hub. These two components are bare metal in the pictures. They were mated at the factory and have never been dis-assembled as I have done here (factory black paint on them).
I have many years of metal work, fabrication, metallurgy etc. but can't explain why these both appear to have what appears to be copper in many areas. I am familiar with the copper, nickel, chrome prep process for chrome plating but these have no sign of any nickel, and were never chromed. This is copper, not a bronze / braze that we often see on frames, early wheel hubs etc. The rear wheel and hub (which is brazed) do not have any of this copper, just the front.
I'm throwing it out to the experts, what is the reason for what appears to be a copper coating in various areas?
Thanks Guys,
Early WL 18 Inch Front Wheel and Hub.jpg Early WL 18 Inch Front Wheel I.jpg Early WL 18 Inch Front Wheel.jpg
Early WL Front Hub I.jpg Early WL Front Hub.jpg
I am rebuilding a set of early WL 18" wheels. The rear wheel and hub are straightforward, but I have a question on what process the Motor Company used on manufacturing this front wheel and hub. These two components are bare metal in the pictures. They were mated at the factory and have never been dis-assembled as I have done here (factory black paint on them).
I have many years of metal work, fabrication, metallurgy etc. but can't explain why these both appear to have what appears to be copper in many areas. I am familiar with the copper, nickel, chrome prep process for chrome plating but these have no sign of any nickel, and were never chromed. This is copper, not a bronze / braze that we often see on frames, early wheel hubs etc. The rear wheel and hub (which is brazed) do not have any of this copper, just the front.
I'm throwing it out to the experts, what is the reason for what appears to be a copper coating in various areas?
Thanks Guys,
Early WL 18 Inch Front Wheel and Hub.jpg Early WL 18 Inch Front Wheel I.jpg Early WL 18 Inch Front Wheel.jpg
Early WL Front Hub I.jpg Early WL Front Hub.jpg