63 Shim Markings Color

[Joe S.]

The other day I had a chance to look over a 63 SWC that was a very original, correct, unmolested car. Although the car was a little "worn" everything was intact and it was like a little history lesson (was good timing as I am just finishing my 63 and getting ready for judging).

The original masking tape on the shims was still there as well as remnants of the shim markings. Perhaps because they were aged, they were of a green color as opposed to what I thought should be white.

Did I have it wrong, or is there some other explanation for the green markings? This was a March build with a vin in the 10xxx range.




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Shim Markings Color

Joe,

I can't explain why but during the 63 run, many of the chassis shim count stripes were in green. It seems the color comes and goes as the weeks went by. There are several unrestored low mileage southwestern 63's that clearly show the green.

Michael

[Gary C.]

Re: 63 Shim Markings Color

I have a 5000 actual miles 63 coupe built in March. It has green crayon markings on the chassis, body and cylinder case.

[Dick W.]

Re: 63 Shim Markings Color

My feeble memory is a failin' me, but I believe that John Hinckley made a post about the colors sometime back. I believe that it was just which ever crayon the worker drew out of the box is which color was used at that time.

[John H.]

Re: 63 Shim Markings Color

My (midyear) plant history tells me that the attendant in the General Stores crib would issue what the Frame Line Utilityman asked for, or give him whatever he had in stock instead; doubt either of them thought a specific color was a big deal at the time.