'61 under dash paint

[Richard P.]

I am replacing the carpet and firewall insulation on my 1961. When I look up under the dash, is the fiberglass above the top of the insullation and on the underside of the dash supposed to be natural, overpsprayed body color or black?

[John H.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

All of my C1's were natural fiberglass in that area; have never seen color sprayed "up" under the dash. Others may comment.

[Richard P.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

Thanks.

Is the "S" tube for the cowl vent painted black like the rest of the mechanism or is it body color?

[Edward L.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

I am replacing the carpet and firewall insulation on my 1961. When I look up under the dash, is the fiberglass above the top of the insullation and on the underside of the dash supposed to be natural, overpsprayed body color or black?

There was a "black-out process" in the firewall area. The area above the insulation, as well as the top of the insulation got hit with black paint. You may also find paint on the hood realease cable as well.

[John H.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

There was a "black-out process" in the firewall area. The area above the insulation, as well as the top of the insulation got hit with black paint. You may also find paint on the hood realease cable as well.

Ed -

Inside the passenger compartment, or in the engine compartment? I was assuming Richard was talking about way up under the dash in the passenger compartment.

[Edward L.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

Ed -

Inside the passenger compartment, or in the engine compartment? I was assuming Richard was talking about way up under the dash in the passenger compartment.

John:

In addition to engine compartment, there was also a blackout process under the dash, specifically above the firewall insulation. This is very obvious when the insulation is removed. Most times, a portion of the hood release cables will display over-spray.

Ed

[Gary C.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

57 Bowtie's that have been Judged in the last 5 plus years all have displayed black paint on the ends and some slightly above the firewall insulation. As well alot of restored 56-7's show this black paint. Not sure why it's there unless it was to blend in the firewall insulation with the bare fiberglass or to cover nicks/scratches in the insulation? This black paint is very noticeable when the firewall insulation and heater assembly is removed. Gary....

[William R.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

I'm the original owner of a '62 that justb finished a total restoration & found no blackout under dash on interior.

Bill

[Joe R.]

Re: '61 under dash paint

Hey, I'm with John H. on this one! I've done several C-1 and never has there been any blackout INSIDE under the dash. GM didn't waste a lot of manhours painting the things that needed it, let alone some place that cannot be seen.

What I think you are seeing is primer and or overspray that was sprayed on the car before the windshield, molding, stainless and dashpad was installed. All the C-1's I have ever seen with the windshield and dashpad removed had primer and overspray in that area.

My experience includes one 58 and a couple of 62's.

My two cents!

JR