'57 Power Window Conduits

[Bill H.]

I'm doing an early '57 with power windows. My question is whether the door conduit metal channels are painted body color or are they natural metal? I have survivor pictures unpainted but the cars I have seen are painted so am unsure. Any difference between '56 and '57? One survivor I looked at was '57 painted and a set of pictures sent to me by a knowledgeable source were '56 and unpainted. Thanks.

[John H.]

Re: '57 Power Window Conduits

Bill -

In production, the conduits were installed on the Trim Line, well after the Paint Shop (although the holes were cut in the hinge pillar and doors in the Body Shop). The conduits on the only known-original/untouched '57 I've seen with power windows had been dip-primed black. I doubt if they'd be natural, as they'd rust almost immediately.