Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[AlexUK]

Hi all,

does anyone know anything about a coating called Exonite? (used circa 1920's on deluxe vintage cars and also aircraft) Also know as black exonite. I have found out the original company who made it and gave it its trade name, but i need to find out more about it so i can replicate it. I also know it was offered by a few manufacturers as an alternative to nickel plated parts like door handles etc, i guess giving that 'art deco' feel.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[dclf1947]

Hi Alex

I think that "Exonite" is a plastic coating not a plating. The reason I think this is having checked it out I have come up with the following references to it.
In the Flight magazine of March 14. 1914 Page 275 the first entry states "other exibits will consist of Exonite lever handles, transpararent sheets, winscreens, non inflamable dope, laquer and varnishes. Exonite covered stranded wire and Exonite tubes and rods."
Another reference to the well known Allcock fishing wheel states "The Allcock Aerial" to have twin tapered Exonite handles. A further reference to a 1920 RR Silver Ghost found in Australia states that it had it's original Exonite steering wheel. That Exonite could be made transparent suggests very strongly that it is a plastic.
Hope this helps.

Dave
Philippines

[AlexUK]

Thanks Dave, yes you're spot on there, it was made from cellulose nitrate and stabilised, very similar to celluloid at the time so early polymer plastic properties. Replicating it is going to be tricky though.

I cant be the only person that needs to recreate this, does anyone know of a product they have used to gain similar results?

[pigtin]

There are companies that re-cover old steering wheels, wouldn't that be a similar material? I have often wondered about using the material used to plug Tenpin Bowling Balls for re-drilling to repair the cracked covering of steering wheels, but never got around to trying it.

Don.

[AlexUK]

Good point pigtin, steering wheel repairs would be very similar. I will do a bit of digging around - thanks.