Cowl Area and Grill

[Dave C.]

I want to make sure I'm reading the Judging guide correctly. On a 66 the grill where the windshield wipers are is painted body color but inside the grill and the wiper shafts are semi gloss black????

[David H.]

Re: Cowl Area and Grill

Dave,
When I was painting my '65 plenum 'tub' I found that the grill, 'tub', and wiper post were painted body color initially. During the 'black-out' process, the plenum 'tub' and wiper post were 'blacked out' with the semi-gloss black. The grill underside was not. In other words, on close inspection, you should see some evidence of black-out over body color in the recesses of your plenum 'tub' - not too obvious though. If you check the recent archives, you might find a better explanation. Good luck!

[Stephen L.]

Re: Cowl Area and Grill

The wiper shafts were not installed at blackout time so they are not necessarily the same black. There are plastic covers that go over the wiper shaft which are black.

There will be some body color in the "pocket" close to the grille.

Photo of 67 blackout:

[Dave C.]

Re: Cowl Area and Grill

Steve,
Thanks for the pic. In regards to the body color in the pocket, is this because it was blacked out first and then the grille put on and then the body color is shot?

[Stephen L.]

Re: Cowl Area and Grill

The grilles were painted before istallation. I've heard that they were laying on the floor of the body and painted there......

The mask used was inserted into the hole and thus coverage was at the edge of the mask.

[John H.]

Re: Cowl Area and Grill

Dave -

The body color was shot first, and the blackout process was done later; the vent grilles weren't installed until MUCH later, on the Trim Line, after the wiper transmissions and washer hoses were installed; that's why the U-nuts for the vent grille attachments don't have any paint on them.