VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION VCCA Judging Questions 1953 210 Chassis/Undercarriage Inspection

I understand that a big thing in the chassis/undercarriage inspection is that it be clean, but my questions has to do with paint color For the most part, I think that means black, but what about fuel tank and straps, oil pan, drive shaft and differential, springs, shocks, hangars, etc.? Thanks for your help.

My '48 convertible had red oxide primer on the body parts under the car. It was assembled in St. Louis in plant number 3. My friends '47 convertible had glossy black paint on the frame. My gas tank is natural metal color. I've had the car since 1970 and I doubt that the tank has ever been off. On the rear of the tank the tank straps look black.

All convertible bodies were made in Lansing and shipped to the assembly plants. I would assume the under sides would have been the same color at least for the same years.
I have pictures of a 1940 and its gray. My 1939 was fray. Most 1955-57 were red but I have heard some were gray.
Tha t being said you will still be safe with a medium gloss black for the frame and under body. Not all under body parts (brackets, hangers and such) are painted including the mounting bolts. In 1953 the transmission was not painted nor was the steering gear. The oil pan, flywheel housing and its covers were on the engine when it was painted so will be engine color as was the oil pan.
The front crossmember and all parts attached to it for the most part were painted before it was bolted to the frame. The sway bar and links not painted. Gas tank silver -not painted. Straps black.