Original frames were probably satin black. They were not dead flat. The gloss level may have varied from batch to batch. Do not make it glossy or too flat.
GM used an asphalt-based coating on their frames, not paint. The correct stuff is avail from Quanta products: http://www.gastanks.com/Q-Coat-Asphalt-Based-Frame-Chassis-Paint-1-Quart/productinfo/06-14/ Most of us opt for paint. Flat, semi-flat, or semi-gloss is acceptable.
I think the frames are a cross between satin and semi-gloss black. The picture that I have attached is an original paint 72 frame that has been covered since new with undercoating. <o></o> Nelson
I read somewhere that the paint used on chassis and related components was mostly left over waste paints all thrown together. I don't know if that is true or not, but it makes sense since they really only needed a bare minimum of protection between the time of manufacture, assembly, and the car leaving the lot. If it is the case, how can there be any right or wrong level of black or gloss level? Aside from a high gloss.
I like the Duplicolor Semi Gloss Black Before After When the engine was out, I did all the accessories with it Here's the engine bay painted with the same Duplicolor Semi Gloss
I agree Curtis! Advanced Auto has the Duplicolor Semi Gloss - I'm using it for all underhood black stuff now. Sprays well- better than the Eastwood IMHO
Autozone does not carry it any more. Have to get it at Advance Auto too. I have 3-4 cans on hand at all times, I worry it will be disconnected. I find it dries fast, smooth, holds the semi gloss shine really well and lasts, doesn't dull or look 'whitish'.
I believe the frames arrived at the plants already painted by whoever manufactured them (AO Smith or Parrish)....the chassis paint you refer to would have been applied later at the GM assembly plants. You are probably referring to the "blackout" paint which was applied to certain areas as specified in the Assembly Manuals.
Thanks Dave....didn't know that. The two names I always heard thrown around were AO Smith and Parrish (sp?). I think either the old or new water heater here in my house was made by AO Smith (or had/has parts made by them). Wonder if Hayes turned into Hayes-Lemmerz, a OEM supplier I've heard about in the past. A flowchart showing all the iterations, mergers, origination, etc of all the OEM suppliers would probably occupy a huge wall!
Patton, I think Hayes may have been Kelsey-Hayes who also made steel wheels but not sure on that. Check out the pictures above. It shows a Hayes frame. My 71 had a Hayes as well. ---------- Post added at 09:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:24 PM ---------- Nelson's pic shows a close=up of a Hayes marking.
