71 Door Pulls

[Frank B.]

Where the Door Pulls Originally Black and Dyed to the interior color or where they moulded in colors?

[Mike E.]

Re: 71 Door Pulls

I'm almost positive they were molded with the color throughout.

[Don L.]

Re: 71 Door Pulls

Interesting question. The answer could be either, depending on the situation. Having worked in the OEM interiors business for many years, I've seen intances where; in the case of stock outs, rework, etc, a color dye was sprayed to suit the need. For example, if a black part was was out of stock, a tan part was sprayed with a special color dye (I've since forgotten the brand) to meet the need. The problem with that was that the color, of course was not through the part, and any scratches would show through. As a consumer, I was disappointed with this, when I had a GM car that I ordered/bought new. Six months or so after the purchase, I noticed that my tan ash tray door had black scratches in it. Upon closer examination, I found that the door was actually molded in black, then painted tan to suit. I think this practice was also used for service, so that each color didn't have to be stocked. Hope this helps.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 71 Door Pulls

Interesting question. The answer could be either, depending on the situation. Having worked in the OEM interiors business for many years, I've seen intances where; in the case of stock outs, rework, etc, a color dye was sprayed to suit the need. For example, if a black part was was out of stock, a tan part was sprayed with a special color dye (I've since forgotten the brand) to meet the need. The problem with that was that the color, of course was not through the part, and any scratches would show through. As a consumer, I was disappointed with this, when I had a GM car that I ordered/bought new. Six months or so after the purchase, I noticed that my tan ash tray door had black scratches in it. Upon closer examination, I found that the door was actually molded in black, then painted tan to suit. I think this practice was also used for service, so that each color didn't have to be stocked. Hope this helps.

Your right. With the hard plastic for sure. My kick panels were painted. As are my rear convert quarters. But the frame for the rear compartments was solid colored plastic. (found that out when I broke it)

Now for the point that gets alot of opinions. You called the color dye, and that it was not colored through the part. Wouldn't that make it a paint?

[Don L.]

Re: 71 Door Pulls

Oh boy. Not sure who you mean, Dennis, when you say "you called the color dye." I agree with the conflict over dye vs paint, however, I just used the term dye to be consistent with Frank's query. You caught me trying to fly under radar.

To me it's paint, because it is limited to the surface. I think dye indicates further penetration, however, Mr. Webster defines "dye" as "soluable or insoluable coloring matter". Either way, the color-over process was inferior but unfortuantely common, IMHO.

Let the debate begin...

[Dennis D.]

Re: 71 Door Pulls

To me it's paint, because it is limited to the surface. I think dye indicates further penetration, however, Mr. Webster defines "dye" as "soluable or insoluable coloring matter". Either way, the color-over process was inferior but unfortuantely common, IMHO.

Let the debate begin...

Good answer.