It’s Reveal Time

[AYooperA]

It’s Reveal Time

I am getting ready to paint the reveals on my 35A. I would like some input on how to terminate the paint lines on the door jambs. Also, did the reveal go on the raised bead on the front seat back panel? I have posted some photos from cars on internet for reference.

 

[nkaminar]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

Automotive paint supply stores have masking tape which is very flexible and sticks well. That can be your first tape which is backed up by regular making tape and paper to cover everything that should not be painted. If you pull off the tape while the paint is still tacky a tape line will not be left in the paint. As far as how far the paint should go, consult the restoration guides or just go with your best judgement.

 

[Will N]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

I'm no expert on this, but the Paint and Finish Guidelines state that only the raised molding was painted the secondary color. So this would imply that the non-raised area would be left main body color, as shown on the tan car you have sample photos of. But, the Guidelines also caution that Ford was production oriented. It seems to me that masking off that upper most area of the door jamb so that it doesn't get painted the belt molding color would have involved a lot of tedious, carefully fit tape that would have taken a lot of time to do neatly. My guess is that the masking tape would have been wrapped around from the body side and would have gone straight across the door jamb, resulting in the uppermost part of the door jamb being painted the belt molding color. Like I said, I'm not an expert, and the Judging Standards and Paint and Finish Guidelines are not 100% clear on this. I hope you get someone to respond that knows what they're talking about because I too will soon be painting my Roadster's belt molding and would like to know too.

 

[Will N]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

P.S. I attended a seminar at the 2025 MARC national meet about paint and pin striping given by Jim Brand. He had pictures of several cars with original paint, and showed that there was so much variation on how the paint and stripes were applied in these areas. I ordered the New Judging Standards. I hope when I get it is has some more guidance on how to approach this questionable area.

 

[AYooperA]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

Probably should get the new Judging Standard Guidelines since it might cover these questions. Wonder also about the raised bead behind front seat which some cars show being done. Mine copy is from 1990, and suppose it’s time for an update, Ha.
I went with non authentic color but want to apply reveal correctly. Reveal color will be very dark like Brewster Green with gray pinstripe.

 

[gdmn852]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

Hello with the 30 plus assembly plants Ford had at the time probably accounted for various different paint applications. Best to use those in the judging books , commonly accepted paint schemes, what the average Model A look like in that era.

 

[Keith True]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

Page 84 of the book,The Ford Model A as Henry built it gives you a good picture of what you want to know,as it is made up of factory photos.It looks like it's the same as the pictures you are showing.That book sits next to me at this table.For some reason I've always thought my 28 phaeton was done incorrectly,so I went down cellar to have a look.It's done according to the book,like the pictures you show.

 

[jb-ob]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

As my name is mentioned....

Your pictures of finished Phaetons with the only the belt painted, not into the door jam area is correct. Easiest too.

The belt rail on the back of the front seat ?? I've seen original photographs with it done on early '28's. No one can argue against painting it if you wish, but I suspect it was not painted by the 'heavy' production days of '29.

When wondering what the factory did, think quick & cheap.

 

[ModelA29]

Re: It’s Reveal Time

P.S. I attended a seminar at the 2025 MARC national meet about paint and pin striping given by Jim Brand. He had pictures of several cars with original paint, and showed that there was so much variation on how the paint and stripes were applied in these areas. I ordered the New Judging Standards. I hope when I get it is has some more guidance on how to approach this questionable area.

+1 there were up to 9500 cars rolling down the line every day. Were the reveals painted first then masked off? That would seem the best way to avoid overspray on the rest of the car. One wide piece of tape or 2 overlapping in the middle? Plus they were all being hand striped. Room for a lot of variations. Seek out the hot rod and custom guys at your local cars and coffee. They will know a local pin stripe guy. Or you could hit the H.A.M.B. and see if someone there knows one in your area.
I imagine the guys masking and striping were not the heavy smoking coffee drinkers.