Southern California Plating Company

Southern California Plating's 1931 Ford Model A Delivery Truck. Leonard DeBell had George DuVall hammer out new curves for their delivery trucks in order to promote the business. The grille on this truck is believed to have been the inspiration for the startling grille which distinguished the radical Hudson Terraplane of the same era. Photo from The Jimmy Summers Photo Collection.

Southern California Plating's 1935 Ford Phaeton

Back in the 1930s, Southern California Plating Company built a lot of race-car shells and other chrome necessities. In order to advertise the business, Leonard had George DuVall hammer out new curves on his delivery trucks and plating fancy front ends. These creations were widely admired, and widely copied, creating a 1930s custom trend. It is actually believed that one of the plating company's trucks, a 1931 Ford, furnished the design for the startling grille which distinguished the radical Hudson Terraplane of that era.

In 1942, Southern California Plating Company was located at 4444 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, California. Leonard DeBell was still the manager, while George DuVall was the chief engineer.

Employees

George DuVall
Leonard DeBell

Southern California Plating Company's Cars

Southern California Plating Company's 1931 Ford Model A
Southern California Plating's 1935 Ford Phaeton