C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

[Donald H.]

When I took the door panels off my 66, I noticed that the door latch pull assemblies are painted black. The sort of well that these sit in is also pained black. The back of the latch pull assembly is not painted, so they where painted after they were installed. The rest of the door area has body color.

Just a curiosity, but does anyone know the purpose of painting this area?

Thanks,
Don

[Tracy C.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

When I took the door panels off my 66, I noticed that the door latch pull assemblies are painted black. The sort of well that these sit in is also pained black. The back of the latch pull assembly is not painted, so they where painted after they were installed. The rest of the door area has body color.

Just a curiosity, but does anyone know the purpose of painting this area?


Thanks,
Don

I'll take a stab and say because the black paint prevented the hardware and inside door skin from being a standout eyesore through the slot in the door panel.

tc

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

Tracy, I agree. It was to hide the bare metal look.

[Keith B.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

Then what year was the black plastic disk used on the door opener that goes behind the door panel to hide everything

[Keith G.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

1967 must have been the first.

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

I believe my 63 originally was unpainted, and I thought it unusual. But, I have had to replace the driver's side mechanism twice and the current one is near that point now again. I'd like to hear from other 63/64 owners on this to so we can track the progression of the design.

Stu Fox

[Donald H.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

Tracy's response makes sense. However, I just check the 66 and 67 AIMs and both have a "shield" part number 3768022 that is the plastic disk that is behind the door panel. But still there must have been some of the inner door glass visible through the slot.

Thanks,

DOn

[Edward J.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

Stu, my 63 is painted black , and I am pretty sure the black plastic disc started in 64, Harry should be able to confirm.

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

Stu, my 63 is painted black , and I am pretty sure the black plastic disc started in 64, Harry should be able to confirm.

Ed, I agree that it started in 64. As I recall it started because it did block some outside noise and it did hide the latch. I believe they still painted it to hide the shaft the door opening ball screw onto.

[Mike E.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

That started at least as early as 61-62, and maybe earlier. A bit of blackout and a black disc on every 61-62 I've owned.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 inside door latch pull - why was it painted

Mike,

I don't believe this black plastic disc is listed in the 1963 AIM, is it in the 61-62 manual?