General Metal type of air housing

[Yellblob]

Hi all,
The metal cooling housing on my '73 500 is original and I am impressed by the quality of the metal underneath the paint. So much so that, instead of repainting I am thinking about burnishing it and then lacquering , as it has a nice patina. I wonder if it could be stainless steel, does anyone know? Thanks

 

[fiat500]

Mine certainly wasn't...

KNO_7007 by peterthompson, on Flickr

You could still polish and lacquer it though.

 

[Yellblob]

Hi,

Well fortunately mine is less rusty. The thermostat part isn't as good though. It is like stainless steel. I had bought a new one as no thermostat or flap came with the car. I don't think the metal on the new one is nearly as good though and I prefer the used but polished look. It would mean disassembling the thermostat and transferring....I'll have to decide soon. All this from trying to sort out the classic cut out after 20 mins problem...