Mike,
I am interested in hearing answers to both questions because I'll be painting those parts on a '54 pickup.
From what I have seen, I would think the tire holder parts are all body color except for the piece/bar that in under the bed might have been black (below the floor). I think the hardware (bolts) might have been body color but I will probably use unpainted stainless.
On my '54 suburban, the cab to running board seal-retainers are painted black, but I do not know about the color of the retainers on a pickup.
Tim
