63 Chassis Black-out Picture

[Marco H.]

A few years back, an issue of the Corvette Restorer had a b-w picture on the back that showed an assembly plant worker applying the final chassis black - out on a completed '63 or '64 chassis.
I've been trying to find it again...no luck.
Does this ring a bell to anyone else, or am I totally confused?
If someone please could tell me what issue it was, or possibly post the picture here. I think it would help many owners to understand how the final black out was applied.
Thanks.
Marco

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

b-w picture on the back that showed an assembly plant worker applying the final chassis black - out on a completed '63 or '64 chassis.

Thanks.
Marco

Marco,

I think this is the picture that you are referring to? The chassis is a 63 but not a typical assembly line chassis.

The photo was actually taken in the body paint booth, not on the chassis line which would be used for regular production. That's because this was to be used on one of the 25 pilot line cars, a batch of cars that were assembled ahead of regular 63 production.

There are some items on this chassis that are completely coated in black that would not be coated on the regular production cars a month or so later. The gas tank, for example, appears to be completely coated.
Also, I'm sure that because several of the first 25 were to become show cars, the worker was probably doing a much better job of painting than on a typical production chassis.

For regular production, the engine/transmission and full exhaust system would also be installed before final blackout.

[Marco H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Michael,
great picture! Not the one I have in memory. As far as I can remember, the chassis was facing the other way with the drive train installed.
As always, your wealth of info is highly appreciated.
Marco

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Michael,
great picture! Not the one I have in memory. As far as I can remember, the chassis was facing the other way with the drive train installed.
As always, your wealth of info is highly appreciated.
Marco

Would that be the one with the engine/transmission being lowered into the frame?

[Marco H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

I don't thing so. The chassis assembly was completed and sitting in a spray booth with a the operator having a spray gun (attached to a hose straight into a barrel) in his hand and applying the coating.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

I don't thing so. The chassis assembly was completed and sitting in a spray booth with a the operator having a spray gun (attached to a hose straight into a barrel) in his hand and applying the coating.

I think I know what pic you are refering to. I'll see if I have it.

[Marco H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Michael,
Your picture shows nicely how the lower half of the rag joint was part of the steering box assy. It is my belief that it was coated along with the box. What is your take on this?

Was able to observe 2 '63 pilot cars @ Bloomington back in '93. I remember the hand laid inner fenders and the salt&pepper carpet.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Michael,
Your picture shows nicely how the lower half of the rag joint was part of the steering box assy. It is my belief that it was coated along with the box. What is your take on this?

Was able to observe 2 '63 pilot cars @ Bloomington back in '93. I remember the hand laid inner fenders and the salt&pepper carpet.

You are absolutely correct on the steering gear coupler. Both the steering gear and the coupler were painted black as an assembly as shipped to the St Louis assembly plant.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Marco, the picture Michael posted was the rear cover of the winter 2010 issue of The Restorer. I don't believe that I've run any others since I took over as editor in 2008.

[Marco H.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Thanks for your input, Vinnie.
Boy did my memory serve me lousy. As you said, it is indeed the picture. For some reason I have another one in my head. Must have seen it somewhere else.
Thank you Michael for your picture posting.

[Irby G.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Marco, it may be the picture I believe I saw posted here. I (with my poor memory) remember a '63 frame upside down but the worker had a mitt on and was applying a black-out to many of the parts. I'll go through the archives and see if I can find it.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Here is one. Don't know if it is what you are looking for.

[Irby G.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Hi Paul, yeah, I've seen that one. From a judging standpoint, this picture would indicate that the whole rear-end assembly was paint black as a whole after it was completed. I wonder if the rubber cushions on the cross member also got some over spray?
I can't find the picture of the guy with the mitt applying the black out. Could've sworn that I saw it here.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Notice that the spring seems to be a lighter color than the rest of the suspension. Not as light as the gray paint sold for these springs, but certainly not black.

[Alan D.]

Re: 63 Chassis Black-out Picture

Same guys different angle. Notice the half shaft where somebody was holding it as a guide during insulation - that smudging must of lead to the mitting BS.
These are from the pilot line cars so the later black spring was a production characteristic. Also have a Motor Trend/Sept64 showing the entire rear (except spring) in black.