The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop color(s) of A-D fire-wall to fenders side filler panels

At the truck show in Winchester this weekend, I noticed (and was shown) the color/finish of/on the firewall sides filler panels on several trucks.

My three 1954 trucks were unfinished perhaps-galvanized steel. I obtained my 1954 Suburban in 1971, and the engine compartment had not been repainted. The 1953 truck's image below looks non-painted.

However, several earlier-years A-D trucks at the show had black (flat or semi-gloss black) filler panels. Some of those owners are certain that the black is the original color.

What have other members found on their trucks?
And, do you think the color of the plates is original?

My uninformed/unsupported guess is that there might have been a change over the years?

Thanks (I know that discussing this detail is "nit-picking" - dang those nits)

Pretty sure mine were as you mentioned either unfinished or zinc plated.

Looked at the truck listed right now in the ebay section which looks like a survivor truck and they appear to have been black. click

My 1951 Suburban had black. Original engine compartment with production line markings.

So, Greg, you have an example for both ways.
Are there body-colored repair plates/panels near the filler plates?
Non-original valve cover, with interesting PCV system on that 1954 engine in that eBay ad?

Anyone else with a 1954-1955st?

[I'll try to add images below - for that eBay 1954]

Mine are removed and in storage. I guess I need to take a closer look at the backside as that should have been pretty well protected. Maybe it is Bob Adler time again...

Mine were ..........






Rust colored

Somewhere back in our truck's 65+ year history, somebody removed them and never put them back. Doesn't seem to affect drive-ability.

No. But dirt and debris will gather more readily in the folds of steel which causes rot from the inside out.

I went through some of my files of pictures for my 1951 Chevrolet Suburban . I believe mine are like marks, there is evidence of black paint on them, but mostly rust patina color. I've attached three pictures of them , tell me what you think.

Thanks,
Tim

OK, thanks Mark. I will keep an eye on that area.