A lot of things went through my head as I read through this thread. First off, Smallfoot, I don't think anyone would be so short-sighted as to think your intentional rust was a bad idea. I picture fake patina to be more like this:
http://s3files.core77.com/blog/images/307494_81_38703_UGWPzgKo7.jpg
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=846753&stc=1&d=1325018138 (Yeah, he did that on purpose.)
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=846187&d=1324905417
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=1094609&d=1366321360
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/6b/26/3c/6b263c007f4f0ca3ffa47e612cb9a01a.jpg
I put those cars in the same category as the ones I've seen with intentionally broken-off wheel studs; just a tad misguided.
As for rusting your own parts, that in itself is a bit of an old fashioned, genuine thing to do. A light rust is a protective coating. For example firearm browning. Not John Browning, but the metal finish.
So what is the purpose of these processes. The purpose is to provide a thin coating on the outside of the iron and steel parts, so that they are protected from rusting and corrosion. The idea is to intentionally rust the outside surface of the part (such as the barrel) and then stop the rusting processes. The outside layer then protects the inside parts from further rusting and corrosion. Additionally, these processes reduce the glare of what would otherwise be a very shiny part.
http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2010/08/metal-treatments-browning-and-bluing.html
The process of browning is the older process and has been known for centuries, even before firearms were invented. In Europe, this process was originally called "russetting" and the term "browning" came to be used later. Later on, a modified browning solution and process resulted in a dark blue/black finish, which began to be known as "bluing".
Now, for patina. What is patina?
Full Definition of PATINA
1
a: a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color
b: a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use
2: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character
3: a superficial covering or exterior
I'd say each of those definitions follows from the one above it. In cars, it would be definition 1,b: a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use.
The old finish on a car is nostalgic. To me, taking a car
that has aged well, and stripping it and spraying it, would be the same as taking a war veteran, and tightening all his wrinkles, removing his scars, and removing his sailor tattoos. He's earned those badges. They have meaning. Although, that doesn't mean he shouldn't have access to surgery or prosthetics if he really needs something fixed up.
I like to see the crayon marks on the firewall, and the circles worn around the window cranks. Somebody was in that vehicle, 50, 60, or 80 years ago, driving it to school, or on a date. That paint was applied by someone that was happy to have a job in the late 30s, when he was trying to feed his family. I'm sure he did his best. Who am I to say I can do better?
Danny Trejo did prison time for armed robbery, and drug crimes. He was a boxing champion in every prison he was in, including San Quentin and Folsom. Could you imagine him clean-shaven, short hair, smooth skin, and no tattoos? Of course, he'd look like Martha Stewart.
Now some cars are like Elizabeth Taylor. She may have shown some age, but you still expected her to wear shiny jewelry, and look her best, even in her late seventies.
If you just like what you like, then shine that sucker up, and get the chrome bits rechromed. That takes a lot of work, patience, vision, and dedication to build, buy, or even own something like that.
If it has that appearance of something that has grown beautiful with age or use, that's patina. It doesn't need to be hidden, or fixed.
If you can see through your fender, that's just rust. Maybe that's okay too, but it isn't patina.
To sum up my thoughts, be genuine. You want shiny? Make it shine. Do you wax nostalgic when you see where paint has been wearing off for decades? Leave it, as a memorial.
A final word on the clear-coat-over-rust: Do these people not know that they can get flat/matte finish clear coat?
Yeah, I really have no opinion on the subject...
