Pickup OEM paint discussion

T

theHIGHLANDER

Senior Member
I've been looking at several original pics of Model A pickups. I've noticed something that seems to make sense, but maybe not. All of the trucks that appear anything but black look somewhat dull. I'm sure many of us have seen the picture of the crew polishing on the line with the big cable driven polishers. I can't see any trucks witin that shot. Did they not polish the trucks like they did the cars? Has anyone else observed this? All of the fenders are typical deep gloss black, and in one shot that appears like an all black truck, the fenders even look a bit better than the cab and box. Any input?
 
According to the MAFCA Paint & Finish guide (page 17 of the 1991 issue) commercial vehicles were not sanded & polished like pass. cars. They had a satin finish.
 
The fenders were all dipped enamel---no polishing needed (no painter either), although I wouldn't be surprised if the ones with slight defects went to commercial use.
 
A satin finish would be in keeping with unpoished lacquer. Anyone else know anything? I'm sure as they got washed and even waxed over the years some shine would develop, but apparently I'm seeing things correct?
 
When my truck was restored the satin (unrubbed) finish was left on the interior surfaces. The exterior however was rubbed out. The Paint and finish guide states "most" were left satin but some companies opted for a higher gloss for their fleet vehicles. With a very visible Fleet, the Bell System most likely opted for a gloss finish. It's up to the discretion of the judges and they chose to mark down my PU because it was rubbed out.
 
foxfire42 said:
When my truck was restored the satin (unrubbed) finish was left on the interior surfaces. The exterior however was rubbed out. The Paint and finish guide states "most" were left satin but some companies opted for a higher gloss for their fleet vehicles. With a very visible Fleet, the Bell System most likely opted for a gloss finish. It's up to the discretion of the judges and they chose to mark down my PU because it was rubbed out.
Click to expand...

Which meet?
 
I've showed it once in each of the National Club meets then to retirement from the chaos. I'm thinking it was San Diego but it could have been in Vancouver BC. It's just an observation not a criticism.
 
Sadly, humans and all of their frailties are what ends up judging our efforts. Documentation is everything. There's a Bell Telephone truck in the "...As Henry Built It" book. The flat finish on that one and the one above it got me started on this whole idea. Just sayin...
 
I like your car's colors. Please let me know what are the two colors on your A. I have a color chart but the chips are extremely dark and do not reflect true colors.
Thanks, Larry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top