30 31 radiator shell paint

todd3131

Well-known member
On a 31radiator shell what is the correct color for the bottom panel black or body color?
Thanks
 
On a 31radiator shell what is the correct color for the bottom panel black or body color?
Thanks


I guess a definitive answer is kinda tough to know. In the Paint & Refinish Guide, it speaks of the shell introduced in November being painted lower body color over the Black enamel on the upper insert, --and the lower shell section was painted black & body color over for the first few months of production followed by painting both sections in lower body color. The Restoration Guidelines & Judging Stds. book is a little more liberal in that practice as it provides for the option of the lower section being both Black and lower body color throughout the remainder of production. It has also been stated that the shells that were painted upper & lower body color were reserved for the higher-end Deluxe bodystyles (400A, 68C, 190A, etc.).

So I guess it boils down to the month of the build and whose information you want to use. Also, John is correct about the finish but remember it is not so much that it is a satin or semi-gloss finish, --but more about it just isn't rubbed out and fuzzy on the edges. If you are able to spray lacquer paint, you will recognize the difference between unbuffed lacquer vs. a semi-gloss paint.
 
Well mine is blue and I have a new shell that I want to replace it with and I like the blue on the bottom. Mine is an early 31
 
Thanks for the explanation Brent. I have often gotten conflicting answers to this question and now I know why. :o
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C; --but more about it just isn't rubbed out and fuzzy on the edges. If you are able to spray lacquer paint said:
Brent,
It always has amazed me that they used a template and did such a fine job on them... or so it seams. How about the process of painting reveals? Wasn't that template as well?

Larry
 
The shell I have and the one I'm replacing are different the old shell the bottom is one piece and the new shell is two the stainless trim is seperat from the insert like the top is. Were there more than two variations of 31 shells? I know my old shell. Ame off a an indented fire wall townsedan it has the one piece bottom and I took the two piece shell off a non indented town sedan.
Just. Curious
 
The shell I have and the one I'm replacing are different the old shell the bottom is one piece and the new shell is two the stainless trim is seperat from the insert like the top is. Were there more than two variations of 31 shells? I know my old shell. Ame off a an indented fire wall townsedan it has the one piece bottom and I took the two piece shell off a non indented town sedan.
Just. Curious


Yes, later models also came with an insert on the bottom.
 
The shell I have and the one I'm replacing are different the old shell the bottom is one piece and the new shell is two the stainless trim is seperat from the insert like the top is. Were there more than two variations of 31 shells? I know my old shell. Ame off a an indented fire wall townsedan it has the one piece bottom and I took the two piece shell off a non indented town sedan.
Just. Curious

Yes, later models also came with an insert on the bottom.
What shell did the '31 "deluxe" limited edition pickups have on them originally?
 
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