C1 chassis black out

[Troy P.]

Reading through my old Restorer magazines I came upon a John Hinckley article indicating the chassis was blacked out after it was assembled, just before body drop. Apparently that was when the exhaust system got painted. I'm interested in knowing more about this. For example, what parts of the chassis got sprayed and why?

From the assembly line photos in Noland's books it seems this step was not taken in 53. So I assume it started in 54. Is that correct?

From the photos it looks like many components (frame, front end assembly) came already painted. Mike Eaton of Eaton Springs says the rear springs were painted at his factory. So I'm not clear what and why they were painting again after assembly - with the exception of the exhaust system that was not painted previously.

One thing I'd like to know for sure is if the rear springs were painted again. If so the stainless steel bands would have black paint on them. The 53-55 Judging Guide says the spring liners were not painted but does not mention the bands. If springs were shot after assembly the edges of the liners would have paint on them - no?

I've had quite a few 54's and a 55 and have never see paint on the rebound straps. Seems like these would have gotten sprayed in a chassis black out operation. Anyone seen paint there?

[John H.]

Re: C1 chassis black out

Reading through my old Restorer magazines I came upon a John Hinckley article indicating the chassis was blacked out after it was assembled, just before body drop. Apparently that was when the exhaust system got painted. I'm interested in knowing more about this. For example, what parts of the chassis got sprayed and why?

From the assembly line photos in Noland's books it seems this step was not taken in 53. So I assume it started in 54. Is that correct?

From the photos it looks like many components (frame, front end assembly) came already painted. Mike Eaton of Eaton Springs says the rear springs were painted at his factory. So I'm not clear what and why they were painting again after assembly - with the exception of the exhaust system that was not painted previously.

One thing I'd like to know for sure is if the rear springs were painted again. If so the stainless steel bands would have black paint on them. The 53-55 Judging Guide says the spring liners were not painted but does not mention the bands. If springs were shot after assembly the edges of the liners would have paint on them - no?

I've had quite a few 54's and a 55 and have never see paint on the rebound straps. Seems like these would have gotten sprayed in a chassis black out operation. Anyone seen paint there?

Troy -

I'm not familiar with the '53-'55 process, but the final chassis blackout was done just prior to Body Drop from '56-up, focused on metal parts that weren't already painted, for showroom appearance; there was LOTS of variation in terms of what got blackout-painted and what didn't.

Eaton Detroit Spring (Mike Eaton) wasn't involved in the manufacture of original Corvette leaf springs; they were made by the Eaton Corporation, no relation to Mike or to his family spring shop business (although he manufactures just about any spring you can imagine today as replacements).

[Troy P.]

Re: C1 chassis black out

Interesting news, John. I didn't catch the two Eaton's issue.

Other than the exhaust system and hangers and stabilizer links what would not have been painted at that point?

Is it correct to infer that the rear springs would not likely be painted again?

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 chassis black out

http://www.c1registry.com/index.php?...1&supersized=2 (click the page to zoom in and out).

Have a look at this MIRA document (DMV of the UK) on a new 1961 directly dismantled on reception. It will give a nice idea on what was painted and what wasn't (from the factory). The document is an excellent read and als available as pdf in the download section (for easy printing)!!!

My best find ever on e-Bay and for only 9 euro's!!!