1954 folding top compartment lid hinge color

[John L.]

I am in the process of stripping the body of my 1954 #68 and came across paint color on the deck hinges that I did not expect. Both hinge arm had been painted black originally, which I would have been expected to be red. Was the interior of the compartment painted red pon the 1953 and 1954's? I know the 1953s had black canvas convertible tops and the 1954s had beige. Any explaination on the black paint on the hinge arms? there was red over top of the black paint, probably from a repaint or from the factory. I was wondering perhaps if the 1953 corvettes had the compartment painted black and had the black canvas top - so maybe since my car is a very early January production it came with the carry over 53 black top. I may be way off base her and this hinge color is yet to be explained. Thanks, John Lanning

[Cathy S.]

Re: 1954 folding top compartment lid hinge color

Should be compartment color, red.

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 folding top compartment lid hinge color

storage compartment should be red
hinges could have been replaced???? warranty???
hinges were accidently masked off during the painting process....

top should tan and frame should be tan
could have been replaced??
stolen?
Damage?
Warranty???
Customer preference???

[John L.]

Re: 1954 folding top compartment lid hinge color

Thanks for the information...having the black paint on the hinge surface surprised me a bit. Red seems typical though. John

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 folding top compartment lid hinge color

John are the numbers on the hinges correct ??
just wondering....

[John L.]

Re: 1954 folding top compartment lid hinge color

I will check the numbers and report back later in the week but that would be a good point....Thanks

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 folding top compartment lid hinge color

The hinges are cast iron. Cast iron flash rusts in contact with the least bit of moisture, including humidity. So it is possible the parts were painted black right after they were made as a rust preventative measure. Then later painted red when the top compartment was painted. That could be an abberation. But note they were also black on the Motorama car in 53.

However, my research indicates they were more commonly unpainted until shot with top compartment color. But the hinge coil springs did come painted black from the supplier.