I've been wondering this for awhile, so no time like the present, right?!

My question is this: of all the original 1968 442/Cutlass dome light units I've seen, the base of them as been more of a dullish aluminum look as opposed to the bright shiny chrome look of the reproduction units for sale. How are they supposed to look? Have these original ones simply lost their luster over the years, or are the repops incorrect? I can see if the plastic chrome had peeled off, but this is not the case. It's just dull.

Any ideas for those who saw these when they rolled off the showroom floor? I really don't want to put something on my car that isn't correct.

Thanks.

 

Tom, mine looks like you described in a 72'. I was wondering the same thing - it is almost a bushed aluminum look. It looks like silver painted plastic. I am kind of afraid to try and clean it, it might rub all the paint off.