71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

[Doug J.]

I am trying to decide what is the correct color for the rear brake caliper mounting brackets. The TIM&JG and some posts say low gloss black, while other publications and some other posts say natural, any help would be appreciated. The opinion I need, is that when the finish of something is required to be "natural" I find The Stainless Steel Paint to be the closest thing to natural color ( I don't want to leave it as bare metal). After I have glass beaded various parts, mainly suspension part's, I would think that you have gotten to the natural metal color, which the above paint matches very, very close. I know some use a cast blast type of paint to get a "natural" color, I find it too dark. Please give opinion's as to if I am in the ballpark, out of the ballpark, or not even at the game..Thanks

[Paul C.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

The NCRS 1970-72 judging manual states "rear support brackets are low gloss black."

Paul

[Michael G.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Doug,
I used a medium/fine wire wheel on my 71 and was able to clean it up enough to see the original finish. It is the dark forged finish similar to that of the drive and half shaft ends that receive the u-joints. Kind of a bluish grey. In my opinion, the cast blast would be closer than the stainless steel. My two cleaned up nicely enough to just coat with a tiny bit of protective lube and look great. Give it a try. Mine looked pretty bad before I started. Mike

[Michael G.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Paul is correct, That is what is written but I found absolutely no sign of paint or any coating on my two pieces. Some areas of these pieces are protected somewhat and should have shown some of this coating. I am baffled.

[Doug J.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

I guess I'm not the only one. I am leaning towards the "natural" bracket, even though the Manual says "low gloss". What do you think ?

[Michael G.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

I know the low gloss is the caliper finish and I will be the last guy to criticize the manual, but these two brackets of mine were never painted and I don't beleive them to be replacements that were not painted. DON'T follow me on this one. I am new to the hobby and I'm sure that others will steer you right. Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Doug,
I used a medium/fine wire wheel on my 71 and was able to clean it up enough to see the original finish. It is the dark forged finish similar to that of the drive and half shaft ends that receive the u-joints. Kind of a bluish grey. In my opinion, the cast blast would be closer than the stainless steel. My two cleaned up nicely enough to just coat with a tiny bit of protective lube and look great. Give it a try. Mine looked pretty bad before I started. Mike

Mike-----


I believe that through ABOUT 1967, the rear caliper brackets were painted semi-gloss black. However, beginning ABOUT 1968, they were left natural. The rear brackets on my original owner 1969 were definitely natural. At some point in the C3 era they may have gone back to being painted. However, for the most part at least, I think that 68-72 were natural finish. These rust very quickly.

By the way, the finish on these brackets was never an "as-forged" finish. That's because these brackets are not forged pieces. They are ductile or nodular cast iron and in their original state had a typical natural cast iron finish.

[Doug J.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Joe

So would it be safe to say that even though the TIM&JG says "low gloss black" there is a strong possibility that they may be in fact.."natural" ?

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Joe

So would it be safe to say that even though the TIM&JG says "low gloss black" there is a strong possibility that they may be in fact.."natural" ?

Doug-----


I would say yes.

[Michael G.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Thanks Joe. I appreciate you clearing that up for us. As you can see, I am still working on the ability to describe the various "natural" finishes. I just assumed that these were forged by their particular application. Thanks again. Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Hi Doug,
My vote goes for 'Natural' from evidence (or lack of) seen on my 71, #6589.
Regards,
Alan

PS: Maybe a little too pretty, but I like a VERY light dusting of SS paint.

[Doug J.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Hi Alan,

I think " natural" would be the way to go with the bracket based on the evidence supplied..even though the TIM&JG says otherwise.

That's exactly what I do with the SS paint..just a light, quick dusting to coat. After all, it probably did look pretty when it was brand new.

[Dale S.]

Re: 71 Rear Caliper Bracket Color & Opinion Needed

Someone stated that the 67's were painted. My March 30th 67 has a non painted surface( IE raw metal). Car is Calif and New mexico all its life so no rust just bare metal. I am curious about other unrestored 67's. Dale