Trunk Divider panel - painted or unpainted?

[Keith R.]

Hey guys. I am wondering whether to paint my trunk divider panel or not. My car is black on black and the molded trunk divider I have came in black.

I've read a number of threads regarding this on the forum and members have generally indicated that the trunk divider panel should be painted the interior color. The Judging Guide for the 1958-1960 Corvette says that it "is painted to match the trim color" however logic would seem to indicate otherwise. The panels were not apparently on the car when it was painted as there is paint present in the trunk and deck spring area behind the panels. Also, John Hinckley stated in a past thread that they were not painted but supplied to the St. Louis trim line in the interior trim color.

Any ideas on what the right answer is?

[Joe M.]

Re: Trunk Divider panel - painted or unpainted?

In my opinion, John Hinckley's answer is correct; they divider panels came pre-painted from the supplier. You should not receive a deduct for a modern, black divider panel. There is no need to paint the panel unless it is glossy and I have not seen any current repros that are glossy.

[Keith R.]

Re: Trunk Divider panel - painted or unpainted?

Thanks Joe. I'll roll the dice and install it as is without interior paint as the trim line must have done. I can't imagine that the trim workers would stop to paint the panel before installing it. Just doesn't make sense.

[Pat H.]

Re: Trunk Divider panel - painted or unpainted?

My 59 has black interior and the panel I had was bought black so I didn't paint it. I lost a point because it was not painted.

[Joe M.]

Re: Trunk Divider panel - painted or unpainted?

Judge's interpretation of when it was painted. I have looked at 6 original, 1960 divider panels in 4 star Bowtie cars and there was no evidence of paint on top of paint. A friend purchased a NOS divider panel in 1981 in the GM box and it was already painted red. I will check my 1961 GM parts catalog. I believe there are different part numbers for different colors.

[Joe M.]

Re: Trunk Divider panel - painted or unpainted?

Page 1479 of the 1933-1961 Chevy Passenger Body Parts catalog lists painted division panels starting in 56 through 1961 (black with power top). Colors listed were light beige, red, black, blue grey, turquoise. I believe the pre-painted panels would have been by a vendor.

[Keith R.]

Re: Trunk Divider panel - painted or unpainted?

Thanks Joe. That confirms my thinking. The reproduction I have seems to be colored cardboard/press-board and not painted. I guess I'll just take the 1 point hit during judging and leave it unpainted.