Correct C-1 radiator support finish

[Keith R.]

What's the correct black paint finish on a 1960 radiator support? Tom Baird's book says gloss black but I don't see the finish specified anywhere else.

[Brad K.]

Re: Correct C-1 radiator support finish

Because the 58-60 Judging manual specifies the fan shroud to be painted semi-gloss black, I "assumed" the radiator support (to which the shroud is bolted) should be the same. You're correct, the manual does not specify the radiator support. I have never had any judging issues with it. That's not to say that I wouldn't have any in the future! Perhaps Baird's book "assumed" the finish to be gloss because the radiator is gloss....Who knows?

[Keith R.]

Re: Correct C-1 radiator support finish

Because the 58-60 Judging manual specifies the fan shroud to be painted semi-gloss black, I "assumed" the radiator support (to which the shroud is bolted) should be the same. You're correct, the manual does not specify the radiator support. I have never had any judging issues with it. That's not to say that I wouldn't have any in the future! Perhaps Baird's book "assumed" the finish to be gloss because the radiator is gloss....Who knows?

Thanks Brad. I presumed the same thing. I've owned the car since 1987 and when I did a body-off that year, I left the support untouched. It is semi-gloss black but it needs to be re-done. There's a '59 survivor in town and I think that I'll ask the guy working on it what the finish is on that one (if he can tell - it was sitting outside for years!)

[Dan H.]

Re: Correct C-1 radiator support finish

I believe the support was already installed with hood etc. in place. It should have it's pre install black primer coating, then body primer, body color to some extent, then be painted with engine compartment black out paint to cover all the other coatings.
Dan

[Brad K.]

Re: Correct C-1 radiator support finish

I've owned this car since 1969 (10 years old) and I re-painted the engine compartment before I even heard about the NCRS or its guidelines....Talking to other survivors is a great idea....good luck.

[Keith R.]

Re: Correct C-1 radiator support finish

Probably a good assumption as the support was installed to prevent front end twist early in the assembly process I believe. So, the final engine compartment black-out is the final covering on the radiator support then...