Paint Sequence 1960 c1

[Wayne Hagopian]

Were the hood, deck lids, and doors assembled on the car when it was painted at the factory? When I removed these items there was bare fiberglass inder all the hinges which makes me think the car was pretty much complete on the line when the paint was applied. (Perhaps my car was completed stripped in the past and painted after assembly.) I've read posts from members who say they paint the components seperately but I would like to now how it was done on the assembly line. Also:Were the seat belt brackets that bold to the body painted the body color? What about the large supports behind the seats?
Also: Was the body attached to the frame when it was originally painted?

Wayne

[Michael H.]

Re: Paint Sequence 1960 c1

Wayne,

The entire body was assembled during all prime and paint operations. Doors, deck lid and hood were definitely in place and all panel adjustments were completed before the first coat of primer. There were always adjustments that had to be made and some included some slight grinding of various panels so painting the panels separately would not be possible. Also, it's not possible, or logical, to paint separate panels with metallic paint as there would almost always be a dramatic color change from panel to panel when the body was assembled. This would explain the lack of any primer or body color under hinge plates or behind door hinges.

The body was assembled on what was called a body truck. It was a rolling fixture that had the same body mount placement and vertical height dimensions as a frame that the body would eventually be mounted on. The body panel fit could then be adjusted to conform to specs and would be maintained when the body was eventually placed on a frame.

I'm not sure about the seat belt brackets and braces that you mentioned. Hopefully, someone that specializes in C1's, and specifically 1960, can answer that part of your question.

[Dennis C.]

Wayne... Yes,

The seat belt brackets and the large convertible top supports were in place when the car was painted. Best, Dennis