I encountered a 1918 Ford Model T at an estate auction this past Saturday that ran and drove. It sold for $9600. I had a fleeting interest in bidding, but I could not pay cash for it. I didn't leave the auction empty-handed, though. I won the bidding on a Model T radiator, with complete front trim. It was the original radiator assembly from the sold car. Another guy I was bidding against owns several Model T's and told me this assembly is rare to be found together all original, usually the bottom trim piece rusts and/ or falls off.

I would like to preserve and possibly restore this piece of history. I've read that some Model T's had nickel plating on the front trim. My employer does nickel plating and discounts work for employees, and I thought about having the trim done. The grille I'd paint in the Model T's original black, if I can find it. should I go this route, or preserve the rust patina? It weighs a good 40 pounds, knocking on it still sounds like heavy duty metal, 100 years later.